H 73 



: 




>S 3519 
.8423 
28 

1917 
Copy 1 



The Crank 



A Play in Four Acts 

by 
J. A. JACOBSEN 



4 






V i 



THE CHARACTERS: 



Marcus Lee. .. .Editor and candidate for governor. 

Daniel Webster Billings, his uncle; retired news- 
paper publisher. 

"Ginger" Billings' mulatto valet. 

Ralph Sterling Friend and classmate of Lee. 

Hiram Scribner. .Assistant Editor of the Observer 

Paul Pryor A young newspaper reporter. 

Silas Pettigrew Capitalist and politician. 

Sam Miles, Politician and Chairman of State Com- 
mittee. 

Russell Pike Capitalist and political boss. 

Harry Kidder Pike's secretary. 

Benjamin Archer University professor. 

Margaret Archer, his daughter; engaged to Marcus 
Lee. 

Mrs. Cromwell Her cousin; a young widow. 

Mrs. Robinson Billings' widowed sister. 

Miss Tuller. . .Society Editor and Lees secretary. 

Time: Recent years. 

Place: The capital of one of the states in the 
Middle West. 



■ 



ACT I. 

Library in Mr. Billings' Home. Two large 
windows facing a small park., where tree? and a 
church steeple may be seen in the distance. The 
room is comfortably, but not elaborately furnished 
with a large leather-npholstered sofa in the right 
foreground and heavy leather covered chairs, a 
large brown rug, a flat-top mahogany writing desk 
at the right; opposite a hre-place in front of which 
is piaced a settee, some chairs and a tabic with a 
vast- of flowers. Over hre-place guns, swords and 
shields artistically arranged. Between windows 
bookcases and a phonograph. Pictures on the 
walls: Washington, Lincoln, Billings' parents, his 
late wife and a landscape. A door at each end of 
the room. 

BILLINGS. 

(Alone in the room, resting on the sofa at the 
right, reading a newspaper. He is a pale, gray- 
haired man about sixty- five with a short gray 
beard. Dressed in a "pepper-and-salt" travel- 
ing suit. He handles the newspaper in an im- 
patient manner, turning the leaves and search- 
ing the columns, as if looking for something 
of importance; grumbles). 

Hang it all, . . I wanted to see the name of the 
poor devil, who is going to be Mark's opponent, 
before I start on this trip. Those high-binders are 
slower than (Shouts) oh, sav, Ginger! 



GINGER, 
(his mulatto valet, enters from door to the right) 
Yes, suh ! 

BILLINGS. 
Arn't there any convention extras out yet? 
This afternoon paper has no news. 

GINGER. 
I ain't heard the kids shoutin' no extrys yet. 
suh, but we ain't goin' to start for an hour, and 
maybe them pink sheets will be out by that time 

BILLINGS. 
Yes, maybe. Say, Ginger, has the baggage 
been taken to the station? 

GINGER. 
Yes, suh, and checked, too; I've got the checks 
right here (produces some baggage checks from 
vest pocket.) 

BILLINGS. 
When did Mark say he would be home? And 
how about Miss Margaret? I want to have a talk 
with them before I leave. (Looks at his watch and 
assumes a half sitting position.) 

GINGER. 
Mr. Mark phoned he would be here 'bout three 
o'clock, but I don't know nothing about the ladies ; 
they all went in the car, — to some meeting, I 
heard them say and after that for a drive to the 
country club. — Now I'm goin' to fix your medi- 
cine, suh ; it's time for them yaller powders now. 
(Starts to leave the room.) 

BILLINGS. 
Oh, bother the yellow powders ! 

GINGER. 
There's only about a dozen of them left, suh. 



BILLINGS. 
How long will they last at the rate I am taking 
them ? 

GINGER. 
Just two days more, and the doctor says 
you don't need any more of them. He says nature 
and climate will do the rest. 

BILLINGS. 
All right, I will finish them on the train. 

GINGER. 
Yes, suh. (Leaves the room.) 

BILLINGS. 

(Lies down again and resumes reading the 
newspaper.) 

MARCUS LEE 
enters from the left. 

LEE 
Hello, Uncle Daniel! Resting up for your long 
j(5urney ? 

BILLINGS. 
(Sits up) Oh, there you are at last! — Yes, 
I am trying to get used to leading a life oi leisure 
and idleness. 

LEE 
You are not going to be id'e. Sightseeing, 
talking with a lot of fellow tourists, reading maga- 
zines and bossing Ginger will keep yen busy 
-enough, 1 should think ! 

BILLINGS. 
Bossing Ginger! Why, that fellow is getting 
so he is bossing me ! 

(At this moment Ginger enters with a powder 
on a paper in one hand and a glass of water in the 
other.) 



8 

GINGER. 

Your yaller powder, suh. 

BILLINGS. 

(peevishly) I told you, I did not want that 
nasty stuff now. — You swallow it for me and 
get to blazes out of here. 

GINGER. 
Sorry, Mr. Billings, but I reckon you go* to 
do the swallowing yourself! that's old Doc. 
Slocum's orders. 

BILLINGS. 

Oh, all right; here goes — (Ginger gives him 
the powder, which he swallows with some diffi- 
culty, washes it down with water and hands the 
glass back to Ginger, who leaves the room) — 
great Jupiter, what an agony ! — - (as he brushes 
powder off his coat and wipes his mouth) — I — 
never knew what it was to ail. till two years ago, 
and 1 am not used to all this fuss, — but if it helps 
me. t should not mind; and I think it does, for my 
rheumatism seems to have left me — (suddenly) 
But the time is short, and I must have a talk with 
you (walks over to the desk and seats himself in 
the armchair, while Lee takes chair on opposite 
side) Any news yet from the enemy's camp? 

LEE 
Not yet, but I think there will be before night. 
I told Scribner to ring me up here as soon as the 
nomination is out. 

BILLINGS. 
Of course, it does not make a particle of dif- 
ference as far as the final result is concerned. You 
are bound to win, no matter whom they put up 
against you. You are the nominee of the majority 
party in this state, — the party that has held all 
the offices from governor down to doe-catcher for 



Ike last thirty years. — Why, .you could not 
be defeated if you tried! But ] am curious to 
know, who is going to be Russell Pike's goat this 
time; (laughs). I wish Pike himself would run, for 
I should like to see him get a dose of the same me- 
dicine he has been handling out to his poor 
dupes all these years; leading them to 
defeat and oblivion and then turning around 
an d doing business with the victors the 
minute the struggle is over. But there is 
no danger, that the boss himself will be a 
candidate for any office ; it is worth more to be boss. 
Some obscure beggar, who needs the advertising 
will enjoy the cheap spot-light till the votes are 
counted, — and you are it. (Laughs.) Oh, it 
is too easy to be exciting! — Too easy! — 
i Leans across the table; seriously.) -- But 
joking aside, Marcus, you don't realize how proud 
and happy it makes me to know, that three months 
from next Tuesday I shall have the privilege of 
helping to elect my sister's son to the highest of- 
fice in our state. And when the boy I reared and 
educated is getting to be recognized as one of the 
great statesmen of this nation then I shall call it 
square with Fate for that boy of mine I lost many 
years ago. Mark, I am going to get my reward, 
for [ know you will make good; vou have brains 
and ambition, you have education and training for 
a great public career, you have good sense, and you 
have character, — and you are going to marry a girl 
who will be a great help to you. She is not only 
winsome and attractive, but she is endowed with 
a very level head and a splendid character. — (He 
stops short and looks sharply at Lee, who has been 
listening with a serious expression on his face.) — 
Why, what's the matter? You don't seem very 
enthusiastic, — aren't you feeling well? 

LEE. 
I never was in better health : n my life, and I 



10 

appreciate deeply the honor my party has shown 
me, — but there are men in that party, — prominent 
men, — whose principles I cannot endorse, and 
whose plans I cannot support, neither as a candi- 
date, nor as governor. And as the editor ol the 
leading' newspaper in this state, it is my duty to 
stand up for what T know to be right, even if by 
doing so I shall lose vhe support of oui most 
powerful and influential citizens. — Uncle Daniel. 
I am afraid I am going to have a lot of trouble on 
my hands, while you are away; I see it coming. It 
may mean my defeat in the fall; perhaps that is 
why 1 cannot share your enthusiasm at the present 
moment. 

BILLINGS. 
What do you mean?' What's up? 

LEE 
The rawest grafting schemes ever proposed, 
and I am not going to stand for them — But don't 
let me trouble you with politics now ; you need 
rest. — Are yon going to stop off in the mountains 
or go right through to the coast? 

BILLINGS. 

Answer my question; what is the trouble : 

LEE 
Well, to state the case briefly: Our friend, 
Pettigrew, has made me understand, that 1 must 
not oppose the Indian Land Purchase Bill, which 
yon know is the rottenest steal ever planned . in 
this or any other state, nor must I tell the truth 
about the army post scheme, by which Pettigrew 
and others hope to clean up nearly half a million 
dollars on the sale of their Rivervicw subdivisions, 
if the deal goes through. If I don't keep silent on 
these subjects during this campaign, the recog- 
nized leaders of my own party intend to knife me. 
And Pettigrew actually had the nerve to ask me to 



11 

promise him the temporary appointment as United 
States Senator, in case Senator Smart dies or re- 
signs after I take office. 

BILLINGS. 

The paper here says the senaior cannot pos- 
sible live four months, and that he may die at any 
moment. 

LEE 

Yes, I know; he is a very sick man, and if he 
is unable to go to Washington for the coming 
session, they must have a man in his place, who 
will look after their interests. 

BILLINGS. 
And Pettigrew wants the appoinment? — For 
himself? 

LEE 
For himself, — or for someone of his choice. 

BILLINGS. 
Did he say that, — using those words? 

LEE 
He did, and he very frankly gave his reasons. I 
never felt so insultet in my life ! 

BILLINGS. 
What did you tell him? 

LEE 
Wait till you hear it all. — Did you know, that 
our next legislature will be asked to appropriate 
three million dollars for a new capitol? 
BILLINGS. 
Why, we don't need a new capitol ! Ii we 
spend two hundred thousand to complete the east 
wing, we will have a state-house that will do good 
service for the next fiftv vears. It is a fine building! 

"lee 

Exactly. Nevertheless, our professional patri- 



ots have quietly put their heads together and de- 
cided, that the present building" is drafty and un- 
sanitary and too small, — that a special capitol com- 
mission is to be appointed to prepare a report for 
the guidance of the next legislature, and that a bill 
providing for a capitol bond issue will be introduced 
at the same time. This is, as yet, a secret, of 
course ; — that is, the plan is known to the inner 
circle only, but it is not a party secret by any 
means. Russell Pike and Silas Pettigrew and their 
respective lieutenants are working hand in hand. 
Their fat palms are fairly itching! 

BILLINGS, 
Is that all? 

LEE 
That is all for the present, and it's enough. 
And being their candidate for the governorship, 
they had to take me into their confidence, because 
they will need my services. As Pettigrew puts it: 
1 am expected to do my duty to my party, to my 
political and personal friends and to myself." 

BILLINGS. 

What do they want you to do? 

LEE 

Promise the senate appointment to Pettigrew. 
— if such an appointment is to be made by me, — 
keep silent about the two land schemes and the 
capitol scheme, if I cannot openly advocate them, 
and promise not to veto the capitol bill, if it is 
passed by, the legislature. 

BILLINGS. 
And — did — you promise — I mean, did you de- 
clare yourself? 

LEE 
Pettigrew is the only man, who has spoken 
to me about this. It was yesterday. I toll him I 



13 

would see him and Sam Miles here this afternoon 
and talk it over. There are too many people run 
ning in and out of the office, and I want to tell them 
quietly and privately what I think of their schemes. 
They will know where I stand, when 1 get ihrough 
with them. 

BILLINGS. 

(Gives Lee his hand.) You don't need my ad- 
vice, i know you will do what is right. — But I hope 
you have misunderstood Silas Pettigrew; he has 
always been my friend, and while I know he is very 
fond of money, — and knows how to make it — I 
never considered him crooked; perhaps you two 
can reach an honorable understanding. — Anyway. 
I am not going to worry abobut yo.u You are all 
right. 

LEE. 

Thank you, uncle. 

(An automobile horn is heard outside: a mo- 
ment later animated conversation and laughter, and 
Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Cromwell and Margaret 
Archer enter from the left. The men rise and meet 
them.) 

MRS. ROBINSON. 

We have had the loveliest ride! (To Billings) : 
How do you feel, brother? It is getting cooler and 
you will have a good night's sleep on the train, and 
tomorrow you will be in the mountains, (straight- 
ens his neck-tie) — and the mountain air will just 
make a new man of you. 

(LEE and MARGARET are conversingly 
quietly by themselves.) 

MRS. CROMWELL. 

(To Lee and Margaret.) Don't be so exclusive' 
We have something to discuss, before Mr. Billings 
starts on his trip, and here isn't much t'me left. 
(The ladies and Billings seat themselves near table 
opposite fire-place, while Lee remains standing.) 



14 

LEE. 
Well, what it it? Politics or family affairs? 

MARGARET. 

Just politics. Your candidacy was endorsed 
unanimously by the women's club this afternoon. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
In turn for which the women expect you to 
advocate equal suffrage both in your paper, on the 
stump and after you become governor. 

LEE. 

How about the anti-suffrage women? What 
do they want me to do in return for their endorse- 
ment? 

MRS. CROMWELL. 

Oh, they don't count ; they arc-, negative and 
consequently not entitled to consideration. 

LEE. 
(To Mrs. Robinson.) What are you, aunt Jane, 
pro or anti? 

MRS. ROBINSON 
I am neutral and noncommittal. 

LEE. 

And you, Margaret, what pledges do you want 
me to make? 

MARGARET. 

Father says it is wrong for a candidate for of- 
fice to make pre-election pledges. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
Not this kind of a pledge, my dear. This is a 
matter of political principle, and a candidate 
should declare himself, that's all. 

BILLINGS. 

I suppose, Margaret, your father means prom- 



15 

ises of reward, such as appointments, and illegal 
agreements to be fulfilled after eleclion. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
Of course. 

MARGARET. 
Well, I don't care; Mark should not make .my 
promises unless he possitively knows he can keep 
them, so I am going to be neutral like auntie, — 
although .1 do believe women should vote if they 
want to. 

LEE. 
(Laughs.) Well, you women seem to be rather 
divided on this subject, and if yon three represent, 
the membership of the women's clubs, then it 
would probably be wise for me, too, to be neutral 
on the suffrage question. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 

Shame on you ! 

LEE. 

(Trying to be serious.) Don't think I am try- 
ing to make light of this great question; for J am 
not. 1 have never denied women's right to vote 
and hold office, and if their taking active part in 
public affairs will purify our politico, then 1 am for 
it, of course, if all good and intelligent women can 
be depended on to exercise their right and not leave 
it to the vicious and ignorant, who will be sure to 
exercise their right, because certain forces in our 
political system will see to it that they do. There 
lies the danger. Too man}- of you good women 
would remain neutral and passive, and the bad 
element might grow stronger instead of weaker. — 
But as to what I will do when elected governor, — 
you must remember, I am not elected yet, — al- 
though 1 hope to be, of course, . 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
Hope to be ! What a pessimist you are ! How 



16 

could you possible lose? — And think of little 
Peggy as "the governor's lady" !— And the wedding 
right after election! November will surely be an 
eventful month this year. — You know, Mark, I am 
telling Margaret to have the wedding before your 
inauguration, while auntie thinks it ought to be 
after. What do you think? 

BILLINGS. 

What does the bride-elect say? 

MARGARET. 

We have not fixed the date yet. There is 
plenty time to consider that. — Mark, I want you to 
get the biggest vote any governor ever had in this 
state; (goes to the table, takes a flower from the 
vase, fastens it in Lee's buttonhole)— wear this as a 
pledge ot my loyal support. 

LEE. 

Thank you. Peggy; I may need it. (The tele- 
phone rings, Lee goes to answer it.) Hello, — yes. 

hello, Scribner !, . . . what ! (excited) what is 

that"- 1 . .. .great Scott! ....Well, all right. .. .yes. 
of course, get out an extra at once.... no, I shall 
not be at the office for an hour or more. ...No. — 
Thank you, Scribner. Goodbye. (Advances slowly 
and gravely toward the others.) Margaret, yon 
are going to be mistress of the executive mansion 
without a doubt, no matter who is elected. 

.THE OTHERS. 
What do you mean? 

LEE. 

Scribner just telephoned, that Professor Ben- 
jamin Archer has been nominated as my opponent, 
and that he has reluctantly accepted the nomina- 
tion. 



17 

MARGARET. 
(Excited.) Father?-— Daddy nominated to run 
against you ! 

BILLINGS. 
Well, I'll be 

LEE. 
(To Margaret.) Yes, your father. But win- 
not? He lias always belonged to that political 
party— in theory, you know; a silent, passive party- 
man, to be sure, but he is no doubt the most re- 
spectable man they could find. — Too good for that 
crowd.— But now, Peggy, if you want me to sur- 
render the "pledge of loyal support" you just gave 
me. 1 will do so. (Removes flower from button- 
hole and offers it to her.) 

MARGARET. 

Mark, how can you ! 

. MRS. CROMWELL 
\ ou have her word 

MRS. ROBINSON. 

(Puts her arm around Margaret.) i ou poor 
girl, you wil be in an embarrassing position; but- 
after all, we women have no pare in politics, and 
that is very fortunate for you in this case. 

BILLINGS. 

Besides, her father is not a candidate in earn- 
est; his yarty cannot elect anybody in our state; he 
knows that, and everybody knows it, so what is 
the difference? But I am giad they honored Pro- 
fessor Archer with the nomination; it's the only 
decent act that gang has done in years. — Now, look 
here, this does not need to cause any embarrass- 
ment or misunderstanding between two sensible 
young persons, — does it, now? 



18 

LEE. 

Lee, of course not. but (takes Margaret's 

hands and looks her in the eyes) Peggy, how do 
you feel about this? Is it going to make any dif- 
ference? Or will you be just as interested in my 
success from now on as you have been? 

MARGARET. 
(Takes the flower Lee is holding in his hand 
and puts it back in his buttonhole.) There ! That's 
my answer! Now let us all talk sense! 

BILLINGS. 
A sensible women is the noblest work of God ! 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
Even nobler than the proverbial "honest 
man''? 

BILLINGS. 
Yes, and much scarcer. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
(Laughing.) Well, 1 like that! 

MARGARET. 
( Worried.) I hope they will not ask father to 
waste his time and health traveling around the 
country making stump-speeches; but if they do, he 
will not consent to it, for he must know he could 
never be elected, and I am sure he has no desire to 
be. He is too much wrapped up in his work at the 
university to have political ambitions. — I wish, 
though, he had not accepted the nomination. 

BILLINGS. 
He probobdy had no opportunity to decline; 
was he present at the convention? 

LEE. 
No, he telegraphed his acceptance from Fair- 
field, Scribner told me. 



19 

BILLINGS. 
From Fairfield? Is he at ]• airfield? 

MARGARET. 
Yes, he went to Fairfield yesterday to deliver 
a lecture at the teachers' summer school. He will 
be home this evening. 

BILLINGS. 
Oh, well, he will perhaps make three or four 
set speeches on national issues during the cam- 
paign, and that will be all they will expect of him. 

GINGER. 

(At the left entrance; announces) : Mr. Petti- 
grew and Mr. Miles! 

Enter Silas Pettigrew and Sam Miles 
(They greet everybody cordially). 

PETTIGREW. 

(A thin, gray-haired man about the age of 
sixty.; Mr. Miles and I have come here for a little 
conference with our next governor (bows to Lee) 
and (turning to Billings) 1 am glad we arrived in 
time to say good-bye to you, Billings. I hope you 
will have a pleasant trip; it will do you good, I am 
sure. 

BILLINGS. 

I hope it will. I am going to the Puget Sound 
country and Alaska to get away from our hot 
summer weather, — but I shall be back in time for 
election ; it would never do to lose my vote ! 

PETTIGREW. 

(Smiling.) I should say not ; — not this vear ! 
A NEWSBOYS VOICE (outside). Extre-e pa- 
per! All about the nomination of Archer for gov- 
ernor! Extre-e Herald! All about the conven- 
tion! Extre-e! Extre-e! All about Professor 
Archer's nomination! 



20 

(Miles tries to hide a grin, while the others 
feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.) 

PETTI GREW. 
(Suddenly and rather forced.) Ha, that's a 
joke! (Glances from Lee to Margaret. In an 
apologetic tone:) Well, this is a rather queer situa- 
tion, — but such is politics. 1 should not have re- 
ferred to it at all, if this newsboy hadn't— I can 
realize how you must feel, of course 

MARGARET. 
Please don't apologize! Father's nomination 
was a shock at first, but we all accept the situation 
gracefully. 

BILLINGS. 
And good-naturedly. 

PETTI GREW". 
You would be without any sense of humor, if 
you didn't! I am glad you feel so cheerful about it. 

MILES. 
(Still grinning.) 1 wonder, how the professor 
will get along with old Pike! 

PETTI GREW. 
Ha-ha! They certainly will make an v.dd 
looking team ! 

BILLINGS. 

Poor Archer! 

MARGARET. 
Tell me, Mr. Miles, what sort of a man is Mr. 
Pike? I have heard so many — well — queer things 
said about him. Is he so uncouth and rough? 

MILES. 
Have you never seen him? 

MARGARET. 

No, I don't think I have. 



21 

MILES. 

Well, he is a rather stout, middle-aged, loud- 
voiced, ruddy-faced citizen, who wears a limp 
string-tie, a slouch hat, chews tine-cut and carries 
his tooth-brush prominently displayed in his upper 
left-hand vest-pocket along with his comb, lead 
pencil and fountain pen. And to prove to a critical 
world, that he is "a perfect gent'' of fastidious 
tastes, he is in the habit of doing his own manicur- 
ing in public— Rut 1 would not call him rough; he 
is just a human hog; still he is gentle and good- 
natured enough, as long as he is not crossed. 

MRS. CROMWELL 
He must be a regular old bear: 

MILES. 

Yes, that description fits him although his 
political enemies have frequently referred to him as 
"a gray wolf" — Nog. hear, wolf, — take your 
choice ! 

MRS. CROMWELL. 

\\ hat office does he hold? 

PETTIGREW. 

tie does not hold any office except that of 
State Chairman and National Committee man of 
the minority party ; that is all he wants for himself 
in the way of office, but it is enough. (To Lee) 
He is your real opponent, not Professor Archer; 
Archer is merely a — merely a- — 

MARGARET. 

Merely a what? 

PETTIGREW. 

I mean, that as long as Pike and his crowd 
know they cannot carry the election, they nomi- 
nated your honored father just to show the people 
how respectable they are. Your father is our 



22 

state's most eminent authority on political econo- 
my, and he has always advocated the principles the 
minority party stands for in national politics, so 
it was perfectly proper that he should he placed at 
the head of his party's state ticket. It is not his 
fault, that the men, who are responsible for his 
nomination, don't care a rap for political principles 
or any other kind of principles, nor for national 
issues which most of them don't understand. 

MRS. ROBINSON 
But why are they in politics, if they don't 
understand it? 

PETT1GREW 
(laughs) I am afraid it would take too long- 
to explain that riddle ! 

MARGARET. 
Please don't try. It is better that some my- 
steries remain unexplained. 

RALPH STERLING 
has entered quietly from the left and seems embar- 
rassed, when he sees so many present. 

LEE. 
Why. hello. Ralph! Come right in! 

STERLING. 
I thought you were alone; it is four o'clock. 

LEE. 

Yes; uncle is about to leave, ;\nd we shall soon 
get down to business. (To the others) Allow me 
to present my friend and class-mate, the Reverend 
Ralph Sterling, pastor of the People's Church. 
(He introduces Sterling to all present.) Mr. Ster- 
ling has been here only a month, and he has been 
so busy getting acquainted with his work, that he 
had not had time to meet any of my friends. (To 



23 

Miles). He was the champion orator of our class at 
College, and he has offered us hir services as cam- 
paign speaker. (To Sterling.) Mr. Miles, you 
know, is our State Chairman and in direct charge 
of my campaign. 

STERLING. 

My experience in politics is very limited, bat I 
shall do my best, and I place myself entirely at your 
service. 

MILES. 

Thank you, Mr. Sterling; I am sure we can 
use you, although we don't consider this a close 
•contest. 

LEE. 

It may be closer than you think. 

GINGER. 
i enters from right carrying Mr Billing's hat and 

stick). The car is waiting, suh ! 

GTDMjIM£ : fiMi^pa^ 

(Looks at his watch.) All right, Ginger, it 
is time to be off. — Now, you ladies will go to 
the station with me, of course. (To the men) : 
And I suppose you political pirates have important 
business, so I will excuse you and give you my 
"blessings. 

(They all follow him out through the left door, 
which is open. Animated conversation.) 

PETTIGREW and MILES return in a mo- 
ment, 

PETTIGREW. 

You don't suppose he is going 10 ring that 
young preacher in on us, do you? 

MILES. 
It looks that way; he evidently had an ap- 
pointment to be here at four. 



24 

PETTIGREW. 
We shall have to side-track him, that's all ! It 
is Marcus Lee, we arc doing business with today,. 
and we don't want any witnesses 

MILES. 
Witnesses or no witnesses, we are going to 
have trouble with our candidate, judging iiom the 
way he received our proposition yesterday. 

PETTIGREW. 
Yes, I am afraid he is one ot those super-sen- 
sitive, conscientious cranks, — 01: maybe he is just 
a plain hypocrite. 

MILES. 

Let us hope he is just a hypocrite, then it will 
merely be a question of how much he wants for 
himself, and the rest will be easy. But if he is the 
kind of a crank you mentioned, then we are up 
against it. 

PETTIGREW. 

Well, we shall soon find out. — Here they are. 

LEE and STERLING enter together. 

LEE. 
Now, let us get down to business. t Places 
chairs around the writing desk, while Sterling is 
conversing with 1'ettigrew and Miles.) 

PETTIGREW. 
Which church is it you are the pastor of? 

STERLING. 
The People's Church. — We are holding 
meetings in the Apollo theater every Sunday fore- 
noon. My work here is as yet, merely in the experi- 
mental stage, but similar movements have met 
with much success in other cities and have done a 
great deal of good among the very large class ni 



25 

people, who do not affiliate with any of the other 
churches. 

PETTIGREW. 
What denomination do you represent? 

STERLING. 
The People's Church is non-denominational, 

We la}* no stress upon creeds and dogmas but em- 
phasize the importance of character, right thinking,, 
right living and good citizenship 

PETTIGREW. 
Is there any organized society backing the mo- 
vement financially? 

STERLING. 
There is, but I have not yet nailed upon the na- 
tional organization for any assistance and shall not 
do so, until my success here justifies expenditures 
for extension of the work. The collections taken at 
c:><- : meeimg umirMv nay the rent of the 1 heater, 
which is very reasonable, thanks to the liberality of 
the management. 

MILES. 
And where do you come in ? 

STERLING. 

You mean my salary? 

MILES. 
Yes, you surely don't work for nothing? 

STERLING. 
I happen to have some means of my own, so 
I can manage to get along, and besides, I do certain- 
literary work, which adds a little to my income. 

PETTIGREW. 
You say, you emphasize "good citizenship"' 
among other things? Do you preach politics in 
your pulpit? 



26 

STERLING. 
Not party politics. Just honest, upright citi- 
zenship, and I think that is badly needed in all our 
political parties, just as much as uprightness and 
honesty and christian charity are needed in the 
different churches. I ask no man to break with his 
political part}', nor do I ask anv person to leave 
the church he already belongs to. My aim is to 
make better citizens and better church-members 
and to reach those, who are just drifting around 
bound for nowhere. 

PETTIGREW. 

Well, that is wery interesting: (gives Sterling 
his hand) — I am glad to have made your acquant- 
ance and hope to see you again i, ome day, and if 
there is anything I can do for the uplift movement, 
let me know. I should like to hear more about your 
work, but Mr. Miles and I have come here for a 
private conference with Mr. Lee, and I am sure 
you will excuse us, if we get busy. 

LEE. 
I asked Mr. Sterling to join us. 

PETTIGREW. 
Mr. Sterling would not be interested. His 
speciality is "good citizenship", and not party po- 
litics. He just told us so. 

STERLING. 
(To Lee). If these gentlemen came here with 
the understanding that they were 1o have a private 
•conference with you, then I don't wish to intrude. 

LEE. 
Very well, Ralph. Come back here a l.ttle 
-later ; it will not take us long. 

STERLING. 
All right, — in about half an hour. Good after- 



27 

noon, gentlemen. (Leaves through door to the 
left.) 

LEE 
seats himself in armchair at the desk with Miles 
at his right and Pettigrew on the opposite side. 

LEE. 
Well, we are alone now; start the fireworks. 

PETTIGREW. 
Air. Miles has some routine niatters he likes to 
take up first. 

LEE 
All right. 

MILES. 
(Takes some papers out of his pocket and 
spreads them out before him on the desk). — Here 
is a list of the meetings I have arranged for you. 
We think you ought to make one speech at each 
county seat and as many rear platform talks as 
possible, besides addressing four or five mass- 
meetings in each of the three largest towns' in the 
state. 

LEE. 

You have my work very nicely laid out foi me, 

but you seem to forget, that I am addressing a 

great number of the people of tlrs state every day 

through the editorial columns of my newspaper. 

MILES. 
But, look here, what will the people say, if you 
don't show yourself and meet the voters face to 
face? 

LEE. 
I am going to gtve them all the information 
they need in order to vote intelligently, and that 
is all that is necessary. 

PETTIGREW. 
I believe he IS a crank. 



28 

LEE. 
Put me down for two speeches here in this 
city at any time it may suit the convenience of the 
central committee. J will also, if requested, ad- 
dress two mass-meetings in each of the other two 
big' towns and will agree to make six more speeches 
in other towns to be designated by your committee. 
That will make twelve speeches. The resi of my 
personal campaigning will be done through the 
Observer. And that is final. 

MILES. 
(Earnestly and somewhat excited.) — Now, 
see here, that will look as if you thought you had a 
cinch on the governorship; yon will queer your- 
self with a lot of people, if you cut down your 
campaign that way. Even the candidate of the 
majority party cannot afford to do that. 

LEE. 
1 have told yon what I will do, and that settles 
it. 

PETTIGREW 
(Impatiently). Let us get through with these 
details; we have important ma.ters to discuss. 

MILES. 

Just one moment! It has been customary in 
the past, that candidates for state offices address 
special meetings for at foreign voters, and — 

LEE. 

Foreign voters? 

MILES. 

(Peevishly). ~ Yes, foreign voters! You 
know very well what I mean. There are thousands 
of them in this state. — Now, the German Tur- 
ners are going to have a convention here next 
week, and you are down for a speech either at the 
Turnerhall or at Krausmeyer's Park, where there 
is going to be a big German picnic. The commit- 



29 

tee has arranged for that. — Then the Ancient 
Order of Hibernians will expect you to address 
them, when they meet here on Labor Day, and we 
will arrange for a big Norwegian rail}', when the 
United Norwegian Singing Societies come here 
for their big noise on the fourth of July. There 
will be Norwegians and Swedes from all over the 
state, and their votes count just &s much as real 
American votes. 

LEE. 
Look here, Sam ! For a man, who claims 
descent from the Pilgrim Fathers, your ideas of 
American citizenship strike me as being very un- 
american. (Rises to his feet) — Let me tell you 
something. As candidate for the office of gover- 
nor 1 want only American votes, and when I ad- 
dress my fellow-citizens, I shall address them as 
Americans, — not as Irishmen or Norwegians or 
Germans. Is that quite clear? 

PETTI GREW 
Now I KNOW he is a crank. 

MILES. 
(With loud voice). Do you mean to say you 
will ignore those nationalities? Arc you absolute- 
ly, completely crazy? 

LEE. 

(Calmly and with deliberation; — I mean to 
say, that it is time this country is united, and in 
order to unite our country and make it a nation 
instead of a cosmopolitan crazy-quilt, we shall 
have to stop the un-american practice of dividing 
our citizens into groups and clans and tribes. 
ThaiA what I mean. (Sits dowai.; 

MILES. 
It is those foreigners, who set themselves apart 
from the rest of us. Don't they meet here as 
Germans, Irish and Scandinavians? 



30 

LEE. 
Yes, when they come together as turners, sin- 
gers or lodge-members — when they meet to keep 
alive certain customs, sentiments and traditions 
from the land of their fathers. And there can be no 
objection to that. The countries of Europe have 
contributed and are still making valuable contri- 
butions to American culture, and whatever is good 
and useful will be absorbed in our national life and 
remain with us. — But all that has nothing to do 
with American politics and with the duties of vot- 
ers, and I don't believe these people really desire 
to be regarded as anything else but Amer'can ci- 
tizens like the rest of us. They have done their 
magnificent share in the building up of this coun- 
try, they have worked for it, fought for it, and died 
for it. America is their country just as much as it 
is yours and mine, because they have no other 
country. It is you shortsighted professional politi- 
cians and a few of our Anglo-Saxon bigots, who 
insists upon tacking on the hyphen. 

MILES. 
(With a mirthless laugh) — When you hear 
them jabber away in their foreign lingo, you would 
hardly call them Americans ! 

LEE. 
Would you be an inferior citizen or less of an 
American than you are, if you could speak Spanish 
or Russian or Welsh? 

MILES. 
Me? No, — I guess not. 

LEE. 
Then why regard ability to speak more than 
one language as an affliction and a disgrace instead 
of an accomplishment? 

MILES. 
(With a gesture of weariness) — Oh well, 



31 

what's the use arguing? — Are you going to talk 
to the foreigners, or are you not? 

LEE. 
1 would not insult American voters by addres- 
sing them as foreigners in their own country. If 
they want to hear me as Americans, they will have 
the opportunity. And we will now consider this 
subject closed and disposed of. 

MILES. 

(Gathers up his papers). — All right! Have 
vour way. 

PETTIGREW. 

(Slowly and deliberately). — Now, that is 
settled, let us have a definite understanding in re- 
gard to what we may expect from you. — Mr. 
Miles knows about the conversation I had with you 
yesterday. — We have talked it over, and he 
agrees with me, that you owe your party 

LEE. 
Whatever I may owe my party for nominating 
me, I can only pay back by being true and loyal to 
honest principles. 

PETTIGREW 
Mark Lee, this is a political conference, — 
not a mothers' meeting. — Let us be practical and 
talk sence. — (Leans over the de : k and points his 
finger at Lee to emphasize his remarks.) — Do 
you realize what it will mean to the prosperity of 
our state to make eignt hundred good, productive 
quarter section farms out of that fertile Indian re- 
servation of ours? — Do you realize what it will 
means to our laboring population, if the capitol bill 
is passed? — At least one million dollars for wages 
alone ! — To say nothing of the public improve- 
ment. — You are a public spirited man, Mark 
Lee ; cant you see how wrong it would be to oppose 
these propositions? Can't you see, you would be 



32 

cutting" your own throat? The people will turn 
.against you, if you don't fall in line, and your fu- 
ture career will be ruined, even if you do succeed 
in being elected governor. 

LEE. 
Do you mean to tell me, that it is the people 
who are behind these schemes? 

PETTI GREW. 
The "schemes", as you call li em, are for the 
public good and are bound to meet with enthusi- 
astic public approval. 

LEE. 
But vmi told me yesterday, tiiat the plans are 
as yet known to only a few politicians; — where 
does the public demand come in? 

MILES. 
Somebody has to take the initiative in every- 
thing, — start the ball rolling. We will take the 
people into our confidence when we are ready. 

PETTI GREW 

And we will be ready the minute we get you 
lined up with us. 

LEE. 

Jn that case the dear, unsuspecting public will 
have to wait a long time, before they are let into 
the great secret. — by }< r ou. 

PETTI GREW 
Will you state your objections? 

LEE. 
Certainly. — I object to the proposed capitol 
bill, because we don't need a new building. If 
the state spends two hundred thousand on the east 
wing, we shall have a capitol that will last us 
through two generations. To spend two or three 
or four million dollars on a new building:, which 



33 

we don't need, will simply mean, that a few private 
individuals are going to get in their graft at the 
expense of the peoule of this state, and I will not 
stand for it. 

PETTI GREW 
(Pacing the floor.) And the other proposi- 
tions ? 

LEE. 
More private graft. In one case the Indians 
will be robbed of nearly one and a half million dol- 
lars through the undervaluation of their land, and 
in the other case Uncle Sam will have his pocket 
picked for at least half a million. — Gentlemen, you 
must not ask me to lend myself to such schemes. 

MILES. 

(Angry; clutching the desk and half rising from 
his chair.) What do you suppose we are in politics 
for? For our health? Why should we support you 
and work for you, if you will do nothing for us? 

(While Miles speaks the door to the right 
opens, and Margaret, Mrs. Robinson and Sterling 
appear in the doorway un-noticed, but withdraw 
quickly, leaving the door ajar.) 

LEE. 

(Gets up from his chair and walks toward Pet- 
tigrew with one hand outstretched.) Mr Petti- 
grew, I should hate to think, that you really mean 
this; I cannot believe it. 

PETTIGREW. 
And you cannot see any of the public benefits 
I mentioned in connection with these plans? 

LEE. 

(Emphatically.) I can see nothing but graft 
and corruption and crooked politics. 



34 

PETTIGREW. 

(Shakes his fist.) Young man, you had better 
be a little careful ! 

LEE. 
That is just what I intend to be. 

MILES. 
(Gets up from his chair and approaches the 
other two.) Let us come to the point. (To Lee) 
What are you holding out for? 

LEE. 
What do you mean, Sam? 

MILES. 
Aw, cut the comedy, — what is your price? You 
don't suppose we mean to leave you out, when the 
divvy is made, — do you? 

LEE. 

(Trying hard to control himself.) Mr. Miles, 
you may consider yourself relieved from any 
further connection with my campaign. And your 
hat is out in the hall. (Points to the door at \he 
left.) 

MILES. 

I shall remember that. (Starts to leave the 
room.) 

PETTIGREW. 

Wait a minute. Miles! I think we are both 
about ready to go. (To Lee; with trembling voice) 
And to think, that 1 actually seconded your nom- 
ination, — you — you — ungrateful — damned — crank ! 
Yes, that's what you are : A Crank ! — One of those 
pin-headed reform-cranks — You will be an un- 
washed socialist next! What will old man Billings 
say, when he learns of this? You will ruin his paper 
in six months — you — you. — you — idiot ! — But never 






35 

mind, I can save the ten thousand dollar campaign 
contribution 1 promised. Not a cent for your cam- 
paign now! (As he and Miles back towcrd left 
exit) Not a cent will you get for your campaign ! 

LEE. 

And not a cent of the people's money will you 
and your pirate crew get, if I can prevent it ! 

(Exit Pettigrew and Miles). 

(Lee stands a moment still facing the door; as 
he turns around slowly, he sees Margaret, Sterling, 
and Mrs. Robinson, who enter from the opposite 
side of the room.) 

MARGARET. 
(Walks toward Lee smiling.) Mark, dear, I 
am proud of you! We heard what just took place 
here. I suppose it was eaves-dropping, but the 
door was open, and we could not avoid hearing it. 
Anyway, I am glad I heard it, — because I know you 
better now, — and I know certain other people bet- 
ter, too. 

LEE. 

(Smiling.) Perhaps it is just as well, that you 
should realize the dangers and pitfalls political 
candidates are exposed to, inasmuch as you now 
are interested in the welfare of two of them. Keep 
an eye on your unsophisticated father; thev may be 
after him next 

STERLING. 

And you have lost your campaign manager! 

LEE. 

No, I did not lose him ; I fired him. — Will you 
take his place, Ralph? Not as State Chairman, of 
course, but as my personal assistant? 

STERLING. 
I shall be glad to do all I can for you. 



36 

MRS. ROBINSON. 

What was the trouble really about? You men 
seemed so awfully angry. 

LEE. 
Miles and Pettigrew lost control of their politi- 
cal machine, and it made them peevish. 

MRS. ROBINSON. 
Lost control of the machine? 

LEE. 
Yes; they found they could not turn the crank. 



CURTAIN. 



37 



ACT II. 

Forenoon of the day following Act I. 



EDITORIAL OFFICE OF THE DAILY 
OBSERVER.— On the wall in the background 
there is a window, to the right a safe. On the 
right wall also a window and next to that in the 
foreground a table with newspaper files. On the 
left two doors; one in the background leading to 
the hall, one in the foreground leading to '-lie other 
offices Near the left wall a stenographer's desk 
and chair. Near the right wall on a large rug and 
about three feet from, the window a larare flat-top 
desk with writing material, a framed photograph, 
telephones etc. A large office chair and revolving 
bookstand on the farther side of the desk and a few 
other chairs for visitors placed conveniently near 
it. On the back wall, on each side of the window, 
pictures of Benjamin Franklin and Horace Greeley. 

MISS TULLER 

(Alone in the room, seated at her desk and 
busy at her typewriter; after a few moments she 
removes the paper from the machine and looks at 
"her work. Reads:) Rules for the Editorial Staff — 
Some rules! I wonder what he will think of next! 
(Takes the paper over to the larger desk and places 
is on the writing pad face down, with a paper 
weight on top of it.) But it is his own funeral, 
{Picks up the photograph and looks at it.) T wonder 



38 

how long that will be here. — Well, 1 shou'l worry, 
so long as I keep my job. (Returns to her own 
desk, looks at her wrist-watch.) He ought to be 
here soon now. (Takes a mirror from her desk 
drawer, surveys herself and fusses with her hair. 
Replaces the mirror in the drawer, puts a blank 
sheet in the machine and begins to write.) 

1 1 1 RAM SCRIBNER. 

(.Assistant editor, a man about fifty, without 
coat and vest and with shirt-sleeves rolled up to 
the elbows, enters from door in front. He looks 
worried.) Not here yet? 

MISvS TULLER 

No, but it's after nine, so I gues he will be here 
soon. — You look as cheerful as a hearse this morn- 
ing, Mr. Scribner; what's the matter? 

SCRIBNER. 

When a man of my age has to learn the news- 
paper business all over again, it's no joke I have 
just read those new rules. The Observer will be a 
hot sheet from now on, if the boss does not change 
his mind ! 

MISS TULLER. 

I am afraid the rules will stand, — for a while. 
am way. 1 just made an extra copy that is going 
to be printed in heavy type and framed. 

SCRIBNER. 
G-o-o-d night! (Returns to hi? office and col- 
lides with Paul Prvor in the door.) Look out, vou 
idiot ! 

PRYOR. 
I \ young reporter, in a rather loud summer 
suit, tan shoes, many colored silk shirt and a straw 
hat with a rainbow-hued ribbon perched on the 



39 

back of his head.) Pardon me, Mr. Scribner! — 
Say, what's the meaning of this? (referring to a 
sheet of paper in his hand). 

SCRIBNER. 
(As he passes through the door and slams it.) 
Don't ask me. 

PRYOR. 
(To Miss Tuller.) Say, Kid — 

MISS TULLER. 
(Offended.) Are you speaking to me? 

PRYOR. 
Excuse me, Mabel, but what in — 

MISS TULLER 
Not "Mabel", Miss Tuller, if you please. 

PRYOR. 

Oh, why be so finicky? Be a good scout, 
can't you? 

MISS TULLER. 

You have no more right to call me by my first 
name than Mr. Lee and Mr. Scribner. Even Mr. 
Billings always called me Miss Tuller. Try to be 
a gentleman, even if you are a police reporter. 

PRYOR. 

(As he stuffs a stick of chewing gum into his 
mouth.) You are the end of the limit! All right, 
Miss Tuller, don't you think we will all be a bunch 
of respectable old fogies pretty soon, if we live up 
to this? (waves a sheet of paper). 

MISS TULLER. 

Well, wdiat are we going to do about it? We 
will all have to adapt ourselves. 



40 

PRYOR. 

(Laughs.) Yes, you too! Won't those haughty 
society dames give you the frozen stare, when you 
refuse to describe their dry-goods display ! Honest- 
ly, I am sorry for you Mab — Miss Tuller. — And 
me, — what will I write about? Can you imagine 
me turning out nothing but high-brow stuff and all 
that kind of dope? 

MISS TULLER. 

(Smiling.) No, honestly, T cannot. But maybe 
you can learn. You are a bright young man, aren't 
you ? 

PRYOR. 

Aw, quit your kidding! Say, what do you 
suppose they will do with the story I turned in last 
night about the Richman divorce scandal? I got 
most of the yarn out of the marmalade butler and 
the rest of it from the chauffeur and the maid. 1 
spent three bucks on the chauffeur to get him 
drunk so he would talk, and blew in a five-spot on 
the French maid for a vaudeville show and feed. 
She told me all she knew and pinched some photo- 
graphs for me. 

MISS TULLER. 
And how much did you spend on the butler? 

PRYOR. 

Nothing; he has got notice to quit at the end 
of the month and is sore enough to talk without 
getting paid for it. 

MISS TULLER. 
Will the chauffeur and the maid keep their 
jobs? 

PRYOR. 
Sure, the maid stays with Mrs. Richman, and 
the chauffeur will keep on driving the car for the 



41 

old gink. — Oh say, but that's some story, girlie! 
And to think that maybe I have had all that work 
and expense for nothing! Wouldn't it make you 
wild? 

MISS TULLER. 
Perhaps the paper can get along wtihout that 
kind of stories. Really, I think they are unne- 
cessary. 

PRYOR. 

You do, eh? Well, I guess I don't get any 
sympathy here. I am going to put it up to Scribner. 
So long. (Leaves through first door.) 

Miss Tuller resumes her work and Marcus Lee 
enters from the farther door. 

LEE. 
Good morning, Miss Tuller. (Hang? up his 
hat.) . 

MISS TULLER. 
Good morning, Mr. Lee. (Keeps on with her 
work.) 

LEE. 
(Seats himself at his desk, looks through some 
"copy", which has been left there for his inspection 
and finally takes up the paper, Miss Tuller has left 
on the de.sk; looks at it a moment.) Miss Tuller! 

MISS TULLER. 
Yes, sir? 

LEE. 
Just come over here a moment and tnke this 
chair (points to a chair at his right). 

MISS TULLER. 
(Brings her note-book.) Dictation? 

LEE. 
No. — You have had charge of the society news, 
liaven't you? 



42 

MISS TULLER. 
Yes, but Mrs. Hobbs in Mr. Scribner's office 
has assisted me, and at times we have to get help 
from some of the other girls. 

LEE. 
But you have been in charge? 

MISS TULLER. 

1 have. 

LEE. 

(Reads.) "The society editor shall in the future 
under no circumstances give detailed descriptions 
of how the ladies are dressed at social functions, 
nor shall any unnecessary reference be made to the 
gowns, jewels, dogs, automobiles, horses or any 
other articles of luxury owned by the people, whose 
names appear in our society columns, and any inti- 
mate, descriptive remarks referring to the personal 
appearance of women, whose names occur in print,, 
shall be considered in bad taste, even if such re- 
marks are of a complimentary nature." — Do you 
think you can follow these instructions? 

MISS TULLER. 
We will try. Of course, some of the people, 
especially the ladies, will no doubt resent this and 
make it unpleasant for us. 

LEE. 

Never mind that! — I have no objection to re- 
cording society news, but I am going to put a stop to 
all that silly twaddle this paper has been so full of, 
— like all the rest. It is disgusting, nauseating! It 
makes conceited, vulgar fools out of the rich and 
the well-to-do, and anarchists out of the poor. — Do 
you agree with me? 

MISS TULLER. 
(Hesitatingly.) Yes, I think I do. 



43 

LEE. 
Very well, Miss Tuller. Now you may go and 
instruct Mrs. Hobbs and the others about this, and 
ask Mr. Scribner to come in and bring one or two 
of the reporters with him. No. — Just tell him to- 
bring Pryor, if he is in the building. 

.MISS TULLER. 

Yes, Sir. (Goes to her desk, takes some papers 
and her note-book and leaves the room through 
the fiist door.) 

(While Lee is arranging the papers on his 
desk, SCRIBNER and PRYOR enter from the 
door in the foreground.) 

LEE. 

(Looking up.) Good morning, gentlemen! 

SCRIBNER and PRYOR. 
Good morning. 

LEE. 
Be seated, please. 

SCRIBNER and PRYOR. 
take seats near Lee's desk. 

LEE. 

I suppose Miss Tuller handed each of you a> 
copy of the new rules for the editorial staff? 

SCRIBNER. 
Yes, we have read them. 

LEE. 
Well, what do you think of them? 

SCRIBNER. 

1 don't suppose it makes any difference what 
we think? 



44 

LEE. 
Yes, it does. I want co-operation and team- 
'work here. If my present staff will not work in 
harmony with me and my ideas, I shall get a new 
staff. I cannot run this paper alone, you know. 

SCRIBNER. 
We will obey orders, of course; but — honest- 
ly, Mr. Lee, don't you think your ideas are too 
radical? Isn't there a danger, that we may hurt the 
business end of this paper? I am afraid we will get 
a lot of people down on us : Society women, the 
sporting element, university circles and even the 
business men. Thousands of newspaper readers 
are looking for the very things you plan to exclude 
from our columns. Isn't that going to cut down 
our circulation? And if our circulation is decreas- 
ed, how about our advertising? That's where the 
money is made. — You will pardon me for speak- 
ing so plainly, but I have been connected with this 
paper for twenty-five years, and I naturally feel 
concerned about the future of it. 

LEE. 
(Kindly.) I understand. But I am willing to 
take the chances. Are you with me? 

SCRIBNER. 
If you can risk it, I can. 

LEE. 
Good. — Now we will take up some details. 
(Selects some papers.) Here is that "Beauty and 
Popularity Contest" among the co-eds at the Uni- 
versity. That's under the ban. 

SCRIBNER. 
Cut it out? 

LEE. 
Yes, of course. Smacks too much of the live 



45 

stock pavilion at the State Fair. Vulgarity is too- 
mild a name for it. Even if the young- people them- 
selves have so little sense, I cannot understand 
how parents will permit their daughters to be placed 
on public- exhibition in that manner and their phy- 
sical charms judged and discussed, as if they were 
a herd of Jerseys. — Besides, it is unfair to the 
plain-looking girls to call attention to their lack 
of good looks. 

SCRIBNER. 
Rubbing it in — eh? 

LEE. 

Exactly. — You notify these people that it is 
contrary to the policy of the Observer to give pub- 
licity to beauty contests. 

SCRIBNER. 
All right, sir. 

LEE. 
And in regard to police news : We are not 
going to ignore it by any means; '.he public is en- 
titled to know what is going on, but this practice 
of keeping fugitives from justice fully informed 
as to the plans and clues of the police department 
must be discontinued at once. 

SCRIBNER. 

Those reports are often deliberately mislead- 
ing, you know. 

LEE. 

In that case they are plain, deliberate lies and 
beneath the dignity of a respectable newspaper 
And another thing in this connection. Cut out the 
romantic hero stuff ! A person on trial accused of 
a crime is either a criminal or an innoceni citizen. 
But he is seldom a hero. It does not concern the 
public how he is dressed or what he had for break- 
fast, nor do we want any more idiotic drivel about 



46 

the ''magnificent steel nerve" displayed by the de- 
fendant in the courtroom. Such journalism tends 
to make heroes out of thugs and to envelope the 
commonest kind of a thief in a halo of romance 
And it has a demoralizing effect on the unthink- 
ing part of the population, particularly young boys. 

SCRIBNER. 

1 admit you are right in principle, but you 
know great newspapers have gained their populari- 
ty by giving the people the stuff they want. If only 
our circulation does not suffer. 

LEE. 
(Takes up some sheets of copy and some pho- 
tographs.) I suppose this is some of the stuff the 
people want? (Faces Pryor.) Young man, are 
you a newspaper reporter, or just a common scav- 
enger? 

PRYOR. 
I don't know what you mean. 

LEE. 
You will know in a minute. Did you write 
that article yesterday about the homecoming of 
the woman whose husband was killed in the auto- 
mobile accident? 

PRYOR. 
I did. 

LEE. 
You said she was hysterical and had to be 
carried from the train to the cab? And that she 
screamed and struggled as she was carried through 
the station? 

PRYOR. 
Well, — I wrote it up 

LEE. 
You were there, weren't you? 



47 

PRYOR. 
Yes, I rode in on the train from the Junction 
and tried to interview her, but her brother refused 
to let me get near her. 

LEE. 
And to revenge yourself you cooked up this 
mes;;, of lies. Her brother says she was perfectly 
calm in her grief and walked unassisted from the 
tram, and now they are threatening to bring suit 
for damages. — Do you call this reporting; 

PRYOR. 
We are supposed to write live dope to hold our 
jobs. I do my best. 

SCRIBNER. 
You are not supposed to invent lies about 
people. 

LEE. 
And this! Are you responsible for this write- 
up on the Richman family scandal ? 

PRYOR. 
(Eagerly.) Yes, but that is true, every word 
of it. 

LEE. 
It is^eh? How do you know it is true r 

PRYOR. 
The servants told me. 

LEE. 
(Showing him the photographs.) Where did 
you get these pictures? 

PRYOR. 
From Mrs. Richman's maid. 

LEE. 
Did she steal anything else for you? 



48 

PRYOR. 
Some letters. But she stole them a long time 
ago; she just let me have them as proof. And the 
whole thing cost less than ten dollars. 

LEE. 
How long have you been a newspaper reporter? 

PRYOR. 
About two years ; one year on this paper. 

LEE. 
Would you like to keep your job? 

PRYOR. 

Yes, Sir. 

LEE. 

Then you take these photographs and the let- 
ters the maid gave you, and return them yourself 
to Mrs. Richman immediately. Not to the maid, 
but to her mistress. Explain to Mrs. Richman how 
these things came into your possession and tell her 
that your employer ordered you to return them at 
once with our apologies. 

PRYOR. 
But Mr. Lee — 

LEE. 
If you don't do as I tell you, I shall have to do 
it myself, but in that case you will be hunting 
another job tomorrow. 

PRYOR. 

(Reluctantly.) All right. I will do it. (Takes 
the photographs and letters and puts them in his 
pocket.) 

LEE. 

(Hands him the manuscript.) Now tear that 



49 

up and throw it in the waste-basket, before you go. 
(Pryor does as he is told.) 

LEE. 
And report here at two o'clock this afternoon. 

PRYOR. 
Yes, Sir. (Leaves the room.) 

LEE. 
Did you read that copy he just tore up? 

SCRIBNER. 

No, I just glanced at it, when I left it on your 
desk. 

LEE. 

"Paul Pryor" ! That young fellow is well 
named ! — But he is not to blame, Scribner It is the 
system! This damnable system of journalistic 
vulgarity and corruption that is going to make our 
American press the Scarlet Woman of Twentieth 
Century Literature ! Just to get any kind of so- 
called news without the slightest regard for truth 
or decency seems at times to be the main object. 
Dishonest editorials that are paid for, maudlin 
sentimentality, insincere eulogy and flattery, sick- 
ening pretentions of piety, revolting details of 
crime and vice, sinister insinuations, scandal and 
back-stairs society gossip, all mixed into one malo- 
dorous stew, is what too many of our newspapers 
offer their readers. And I refuse to believe, that 
this is "the stuff the public wants." 

SCRIBNER. 
There is some of that; — too much, in fact; I 
admit that, but taken as a whole, I consider our 
American press pretty clean and decent. In your 
eagerness to correct some of the evils, you do an 
injustice to the thousands of clean newspapers and 



50 

able, clever writers and editors, when you make 
such sweeping assertions. There are no better 
newspapers in the world than the American P a P ers - 
I consider them superior to the press of any other 
country. 

LEE. 
They are superior to the foreign papers in most 
respects, and that is why I cannot stand to see their 
influence for good spoiled by the faults I have men- 
tioned. — Mr. Scribner, let us make a clean, reliable, 
truthful, fearless newspaper of the Observer, — even 
if it costs me the governorship. — You know, I had 
a quarrel yesterday with Sam Miles. He and Petti- 
grew are through with me already, and I guess I 
am through with them. 

SCRIBNER. 
That's too bad! How did it happen? 

LEE. 
I cannot very well give you the details; not 
yet. Perhaps later. It depends on what they are 
going to do. 

STERLING. 
(Enters from Scribner's office.) Will you see 
Mr. Pettigrew? 

LEE. 
Pettigrew here? 

STERLING. 
Yes ; he says he wants to have a word with 
vou. 

LEE. 

(After thinking it over.) I will see him. 

(Sterling goes to the door which he opens for 
Pettigrew. who enters the room with a serious ex- 
pression on his face.) 

LEE. 
Well, what can T do for }-ou? 



51 

PETTIGREW. 
You can let me do something for you. 

SCRIBNER. 
(To Lee.) Nothing else just now? 

LEE. 

No. (As Scribner reaches the door) — Oh, yes, 
while I remember it : I notice our dramatic writer 
invariably refers to New York as "Gotham". Tell 
him that is too stale. If he cannot spell New York, 
he can call it Jerusalem or something equally ap- 
propriate, only cut out "Gotham" ! That word gets 
on my nerves ! 

SCRIBNER. 

(Smiling.) All right; no more "Gotham". 

(Exit Scribner.) 

PETTIGREW. 
Your nerves are still on edge, I see. 

LEE. 
Not more so than usual. I am just doing some 
house-cleaning here. 

PETTIGREW. 
You are too exited about everything; you 
seem to be seeing ghosts everywhere ; you see 
something evil and sinister in every word one ut- 
ters, in every proposition that is put up to you. 
What in thunder ails you, man? Are you on the 
verge of nervous collapse? 

LEE. 
Mr. Pettigrew, what brings you here today? 

PETTIGREW. 
For the sake of avoiding public scandal and in 
the interest of party harmony I have come to ask 
you to reconsider and retract your rash words of 
yesterday. 



52 

LEE. 
(With sarcasm.) And do you also expect me 
to apologize? 

PETTIGREW. 
Never mind the apologies. Just show that you 
have some sense. Come over to headquarters and 
patch it up with Sam. 

LEE. 
I will do nothing of the kind, and you may tell 
Sam Miles for me, that if he ever dares to show his 
face in this building, I shall order the janitor to 
throw him out. 

PETTIGREW. 
I suppose you realize what this attitude of 
yours may mean to you? 

LEE. 
Yes, it means that I can go before the people 
with clean hands and a clear conscience. It means 
that I shall not be obliged to associate with crooks! 

PETTIGREW. 

(Angrily.) Who is a crook? 
(At this moment Sterling enters the room 
carrying a small package and a letver.) 

STERLING. 
Oh, I beg your pardon ! 

LEE. 
You are not intruding; — what's on your mind? 

STERLING. 
Pryor left this with me and asked me to deliver 
it to you. (Hands package and letter to Lee, who 
opens the letter and reads it.) 

PETTIGREW. 
(To Sterling.) Well, have you transferred 



53 

your activities in the. interest of general uplift to 
the Observer office? 

STERLING. 
I am doing some work here for Mr. Lee temp- 
orarily, — just during the campaign. 

PETTIGREW. 
Good! I suppose you expect your reward in 
the way of a good, fat State office ? Private Secre- 
tary to the Governor, or maybe something still 
tetter? 

STERLING. 
I am not an office-seeker. 

PETTIGREW. 
So much the better, then you will not be dis- 
appointed. Your friend here may not have any 
plums to distribute, when the votes have been 
counted. — Mr. Lee, are we to understand, then, 
that the campaign committee is not required to 
make any efforts in your behalf? Unless you are 
willing to bury the hatchet and co-operate with the 
organization, we shall have to treat you as a rebel 
-and a deserter. 

LEE. 
I am going to conduct my own campaign in 
my own way and shall need no assistance. 

PETTIGREW. 

(Disgusted.) Of all the crazy cranks ! f Angry) 
Well, it is war then ! War to the finish ! Do you 
understand? War! Good-day, gentlemen ! 

(Exit Pettigrew.) 

LEE. 
I hope I have seen the last of that "leading 
•citizen" for some time to come. — Did Pryor tell 
you about this? (points to the package) 



54 
STERLING. 



He did. 



LEE. 
This is what he says: (reads letter) "Mr. M. 
Lee, Editor of the Observer. Dear Sir: — Having; 
accepted a flattering offer from the Herald, I here- 
by resign my position with you and return to you 
the Richman papers and photographs, which I ob- 
tained as your agent, while in your employ. Yours 

truly, Paul Pryor." Well, it did not take 

him long to get another job, did it? — And now I 
shall have to return these myself. Nobody else can 
do it ; as he says, he was "my agent". 

STERLING. 

It will be rather embarrasing, of course, but 
it is the only right thing to do. — By the way, — how 
about lithographs? A representative of the West- 
ern Lithographing Co. is here. 

LEE. 

No lithographs or posters. I don't believe in 
defacing out streets and buildings and walls with 
campaign pictures. It should not be allowed. Get 
word to headquarters that they are to send over all 
the litographs they have of me over there, and 
when they arrive, put them in the furnace 

Enter Professor Archer, Margaret and Mrs. 
Cromwell. Usual greetings exchanged. 

PROFESSOR ARCHER. 

(A serious, pale man about sixty with smooth- 
shaven face, wearing gold-rimmed spectacles, gray 
clothes and a large Panama hat ; — he shakes hands 
with Lee.) I really don't know what to say to 
you; this is, indeed, a strange situation, but I trust 
you will understand my position. 



55 

LEE. 

Of course, I understand it, and I don'i blame 
you in the least. 

ARCHER. 

The question is, if you will believe, what I am 
just about to tell you. 

LEE. 
Believe you? Why shouldn't I? 

ARCHER. 

Because it sounds so ridiculous. Read these 
telegrams (hands some telegrams to Lee, who looks 
at them.) 

LEE. 

In this you are offered the nomination, in this 
you accept, then you withdraw your acceptance 
and Pike answers "Too late; convention has ad 
journed." — Did you change your mind? 

.ARCHER. 
I seem to live up to the old tradition that all 
professors are un-practical and absent-minded. My 
only excuse is, that 1 was so overwhelmed, when 
the first telegram came, that I forgot everything 
else. I was just about to begin my lecture at Fair- 
field when the message was handed to me, and the 
surprise was so great, that it almost upset me. 
Somebody gave me a telegram blank, but I had no 
pencil or pen, and in my confusion I asked a young 
man to write the answer and sign my name. 

LEE. 
Did you not tell him what to answer? 

ARCHER. 
No, I did not think of it, and he tock it for 
granted that I wanted to accept. (Sits down and 
mops his brow.) And two hours later the young 



56 

man called at the hotel and handed me a copy of 
the telegram he had sent, and then, Marcus, I 
realized what I had done, and I hurried down to 
the station and sent another message withdrawing 
my acceptance, — but it came too late. — Maicus, can 
you ever forgive me? 

LEE. 
There is nothing to forgive. 

ARCHER. 
Of course, my candidacy will make no differ- 
ence as far as the result is concerned, although I 
believe that some day a majority of the people of 
this state will change their views on the great tariff 
and taxation questions and send a delegation to 
Washington that will advocate the only sound and 
practical economic principle — 

MARGARET. 
But father, dear, that has nothing to do with 
the governorship, you know. 

ARCHER. 

No, no, of course not. That is something else. 
As I was saying, Marcus, while my candidacy can- 
not possibly hurt your chances of election, the 
situation is very embarrassing to all of us, and I 
prefer to withdraw, — just refuse to run. I can do 
that, can I not? 

LEE. 

Yes, but don't! They might keep your name 
on the ballot anyway. You need not go in for an 
active campaign. Mr. Archer, I don't want you to 
withdraw, you will do me a favor, if you allow your 
name to remain on f he ticket. 

ARCHER. 
But I don't like to be associated with that man 



57 

Pike and his crowd. They are not my kind of 
people. 

LEE. 
And they will not expect you to get down to 
their level and take any active part in their coun- 
cils. 

ARCHER. 
Very well, then. I am glad you feel that way 
about it. I am going home to take a nap now; 
couldn't sleep all night. (Shakes hands with Lee) 
Oh, by the way, Margaret, we must call on Mr. 
Billings. 

MARGARET. 

Don't you remember, he started on his vaca- 
tion last night? 

ARCHER. 
Oh — yes, to be sure ! How stupid of me ! Well, 
we must be going. — Oh, while I remember it, Mr. 
Sterling, have you read Henri Bergson's latest ? 
No? Come over this evening and take dinner with 
us and I will let you take the book home with you ; 
there are some things in it I want to call your 
special attention to. May we expect you"* 

STERLING. 
Thank you, I shall be delighted. 

MRS. CROMWELL 

One moment, please. — (To Lee) Isn't there 
anything I can do, — address envelopes, folding cir- 
culars or anything? — I mean it. 

LEE. 

You! 

MRS. CROMWELL. 

Yes, why not? Don't you need some assistance, 
Mr. Sterling? I can write shorthand and pound a 



and I am jus ig to do some real 

5 ERLIN 
1 do need some help. bv. .ill probabhr 

be too hare g g be pr. 

MRS 

and I want to learn all about pc 

LEI 
Pnt her to 

well. — Z m begin tomorr 

Ml 
Bright an 

- is sum 

pre - _ her dv. 

5 ever.:r.j - ' . 5 

LI 

s but later, perha 

E 

- - - . 

- g 5 - Mar- 

- me age 
and have a. 

ET snrg< 

>n con::, 
had been mar: - - than a 



59 

year, and since then she has made her home with 
the Archers, her own parents being dead. 

STERLING. 
She seems to be a bright and interesting sort 
of a girl. I am glad she offered to help us with the 
campaign work. — Really, I like her style. 

""" LEE. 

I knew you would like Louise; (smiling) she 
is a strong believer in "good citizenship, right 
thinking, clean living" and all the other viitues you 
described to Pettigrew yesterday. — And she might 
be induced to play the organ in the People's 
Church, if you can manage to interest her In your- 
self. — Going to try, old man? 

STERLING. 
There you go ! I was not thinking of anything 
like that! 

The telephone rings and Lee answers it. 

LEE. 

Hello! Yes, this is the Observer This 

is Mr. Lee speaking You want to see rme 

privately? Why, yes, — where are you now? 

.Down stairs? Well, I can see you now, 

then Yes, come right up All right, 

good-bye. (Hangs up receiver.) Ralpb, who do 
you suppose is coming up here? 

STERLING. 

Cannot guess. 

LEE. 

Russell Pike, the boss ! I think I know what 
he wants. Better clear out, he will be here in a 
minute, and he insists that he must see me ^lone. 

STERLING. 
All right, I must get to work. (Leaves through 
door in the foreground.) 



60 

Lee busies himself with some paper on his 
desk. 

After a few moments, enter Russell Pike, a 
man answering very closely to the description 
given by Miles in the first act. He does not remove 
his hat until after he is seated. 

LEE. 
Mr. Pike, I believe? Have a c eat. 

PIKE. 

(Looks around carefully.) Glad to meet you, 
Mr. Lee. (Takes a chair.) Say, (in a hoarse 
whisper) there ain't nobody apt to butt in, is there? 

LEE. 
No, I think we can talk undisturbed. 

PIKE. 
Nice weather we are having. 

LEE. 
Yes, it has been a pleasant summer so far. 

PIKE. 

I suppose you expect to be a busy man for a 
few weeks ; between running the paper and cam- 
paigning you will have your hands full, eh? 
(chuckles) 

LEE. 
1 am looking for a rather strenuous time. 

PIKE. 

(Moves his chair closer.) What do you think 
of our candidate? 

LEE. 

If you mean your candidate for governor, I 
think you made an excellent choice. 



61 

PIKE. 

Oh, sure! — of course, we stand as much show 
with him as we would with a burglar at the head 
of the ticket. (The humor of the situation over- 
comes Pike, who tries hard to suppress a fit of 
laughter. Suddenly he seems uncomfortable, and 
looks searchingly around the floor and under the 
desk; finally he swallows with a great effort.) — 
You know we've not always been particular about 
the character of our candidates, because it was no 
use, but I don't mind telling you. that it was me, 
who started the Archer boom on the quiet and I 
did it to show you I am right. — Do you get me? 

LEE. 

I am not sure that I do. 

PIKE. 

(Moves his chair closer.) Why ; don't you see, 
Archer would not make any real campaign against 
you, even if he was a campaigner, which he ain't. 
He ain't no practical politician ; there is so much 
clear daylight between his feet and the ground, 
that he don't know he is on earth half of the time. 
But he's a fine man, of course, a smart man when 
it comes to booklearning. Oh yes ! We are proud 
of our candidate ! (Another laughing fit and 
. another convulsion followed by a painful SAvallow.) 

LEE. 
You seem to regard Mr. Archer's nomination 
as a practical joke. 

PIKE. 
Well, it is and it ain't. When we nominated 
a decent, respectable citizen like Archer, we handed 
him a nice bouquet and showed him the honor he 
deserves, at the same time as we put our or- 
ganization right with the people and redeemed our- 
selves. He appreciates the honor, which is all he 



62 

will get out of it, and the boys need a good front, 
so it is a good thing for everybody. 

LEE. 
In other words, your convention was merely 
a matter of form, not to be taken seriously. 

PIKE. 
(Eagerly.) That's it! Now you've said it. And 
the boys on the inside understand, of course, that 
you are the main squeeze we have to do business 
with. 

LEE. 

And now you have come here 

PIKE. 
To do business. The same as we have always 
done. — Now, look here, all we intend to do in the 
way of campaigning is to circulate the usual elec- 
tion dope in support of our candidates for Con- 
gress, — just to make a showing as a party, you un- 
derstand. On state issues we haven't a leg to 
stand on, and everybody knows it, so you will have 
clear sailing. We ain't going to interfere with 
you in any way, first because it would be no use, 
and also, because we believe you will do the right 
thing by everybody. Us politicians must stand 
together, governor, — ain't that right? 

LEE. 

The politicians in this state have just been 
through about seven lean years, haven't they? 

PIKE. 

(Bangs the desk with his hand.) "Lean years" 
is right ! But we see a pretty fair harvest ahead 
of us, if everything is carried through without any 
hitch. — Being on the inside yourself, I suppose you 
know all about it. so it's not necessarv for me to 



63 

go into details. All I want is your word and your 
assurance that you will tote fair. 

LEE. 

Mr. Pike, I admit, that I have been informed 
in regard to the schemes that are on foot, and 
knowing something about the political history of 
this state, I expected you would call on me. But 
it is useless for us to discuss this matter any 
further. Your ideas of "toting fair" are so dia- 
metrically opposite to mine, that we have no com- 
mon ground to meet on. I am in politics to serve 
my state to the best of my ability, you to serve 
yourself and to get all the profit you can out of it. 
I may as well tell you frankly, that I consider the 
capitol bill and all the rest of the schemes nothing 
but a great conspiracy to rob the people, and that 
I not only refuse to join in the conspiracy, but that 
I shall do my best to expose it. 

PIKE. 

(Rises and puts on his hat.) Now, mind you, 
I am not going to run after you. I never run after 
nobody. I want a final answer now, for I am not 
■coming back here. 

LEE. 

You have my final answer. 
(Pettigrew and Pryor enter from door in back- 
ground.) 

PIKE. 

(Who has seen them.) Well, Mr. Lee, I must 
be going. And I want to repeat before I go, that 
we intend to elect our candidate, so you can save 
yourself the trouble of sending for me any more. 
We have a ticket this time that can win, and I am 
surprised that you should stoop to such tricks as 
to ask me to be a traitor to my own party ticket. 
Who would ever have thought that of you ! 



64 

Lee stands still and silent at his desk, looking 
at Pike, as he leaves the room, followed by Petti- 
grew and Pryor. 



CURTAIN. 



65 



ACT III. 



Two weeks after second act. Evening. 

RUSSEL PJKE'S OFFICE and political head- 
quarters of the minority party. A plainly furnished, 
uncarpeted room. In the background a wndow 
and along the wall a bookcase, a filing-case and a 
safe. To the right a door and in the right fore- 
ground a large couch. To the left a window and 
another door in the left foreground. Near window 
on the left a roll-top typewriter desk and set at 
right angles with it a long, plain writing table. 
Harry Kidder's office chair is placed, so he can 
work at both the desk and the table. At right angles 
with the table is Russell Pike's flat-top desk and 
a number of chairs are placed around the desk and 
table, which are covered with newspapers, letteis 
etc. On the wall a clock and pictures of race-horses 
and prize-fighters.- 

HARRY KIDDER in shirt sleeves, seated 
with his feet on the table. 

PAUL PRYOR seated on the other side of the 
table. 

They are discussing the evening papers. 

KIDDER. 
By heck! I believe it can be done! I have got 
my job picked out already. Insurance Commis- 
sioner for mine ! 



66 

PRYOR. 
And where do I come in? 

KIDDER. 
Oil inspector woul fit you, I guess ; you are so 
slick and smooth. Or maybe warden of the pen ; 
you ought to have been there long ago. 

PRYOR. 
Oh, I guess I am too young for that; but jok- 
ing aside, Harry, don't it look to you as if we had 
Saint Mark "groggy and bleeding freely?" 

KIDDER. 
He certainly seems to be getting himself in 
wrong with everybody. 

PRYOR. 
And we will see to it that he gets in deeper 
every day. This number of the Herald is just the 
beginning, and I wrote most of the hot stuff myself. 
Old man Pike has told me to go as far as I like. — 
And he told me I can have a good job on the Herald 
as long as I want to stay. 

KIDDER. 
Well, his word is good ; he practically owns the 
paper, you know. (Looks at the clock.) He ought 
to be here soon ; it is half past seven, and the Prof. 
is due here in a minute. 

PRYOR. 
The Professor coming up here tonight? You 
are not going to let him meet Pettigrew and Miles, 
— are you? 

KIDDER. 
I should say not ! We will get rid of the old 
book-worm before they get here. 

PRYOR. 
Does Archer come in here often? 



67 

KIDDER. 
He has only been here once, and he tried to 
explain his views on the tariff to me and Pike, till 
we had to ask him to let up. He is a joke, but I am 
afraid the old codger isn't so much of a fool as he 
looks. We are not taking- him into our confidence ; 
it wouldn't do. 

PRYOR. 
What is he coming up for tonight? 

KTDDER. 
He telephoned that he wants to have a talk 
with us about what is in the paper, said something 
about fair play. 

PRYOR. 
Aha ! Wants to shield his prospective Son-in- 
law, eh? — Do you think he has spunk enough to 
make trouble? 

KIDDER. 
He doesn't know enough. Pike will talk to 
him like a father. Just watch and see. 

RUSSELL PIKE. 
Enter 
Hello, boys! 

KIDDER AND PRYOR. 

Good evening. 

PIKE (as he removes his coat and throws it 
on the couch). Pretty damned hot tonight, — but 
it is going to be hotter by and by. (Goes over to 
Pryor and shakes hands with him.) Paul, you are 
a corker. (Laughs): Honestly, that stuff you are 
writing is great! We will have that sanctimonious 
porcupine pulling in his quills, if you can keep it 
up the way you have started. — Why ain't you fel- 
lows smoking? (Goes to his desk and takes out a 
box of cigars. Kidder and Pryor light cigars.) 



68 

PRYOR. 
Don't you smoke yourself, Mr. Pike? 

PIKE. 
No, I stick to good old fine-cut; (takes a 
pinch of "fine-cut" from his vest pocket.) A cigar 
or pipe is always in the way. 

KIDDER. 
The professor telephoned a little while ago 
that he is coming up. 

PIKE. 
The devil he is ! 

KIDDER. 
The Herald seems to have stirred him up. 

PIKE. 
(Has one of his convulsive laughs.) The poor 
old stiff! He don't know he is alive. — But I guess 
1 had better put on my coat; he might bring ladies 
along. (As he walks over to the couch and puts 
on his coat.) Those girls are always trailing him 
like a pair of nurse-maids. I suppose they read 
fairy tales to him at night, after they have tucked 
him into his little crib. (Another outburst of merri- 
ment.) 

KIDDER. 
Speaking of fairy-tales, I hope you are pre- 
pared to tell him some good ones tonight, so he 
will keep on slumbering and not butt into this cam- 
paign. 

PIKE. 
(Seats himself at his desk and places his feet 
on top of it.) Leave him to me, Harry. I know 
just how to handle feeble-minded people; that's the 
secret of my success. — Listen, boys ! There are 
three kinds of citizens; the feeble-minded, the ab- 



69 

sent-minded and the cranks. If it wasn't for the 
first two classes, us politicians would have to go 
to work, and there would be no such animal as a 
political boss. But the feeble-minded and the ab- 
sent-minded are most always in the majority, and 
we know just how to handle them. Once in a while 
some smart, brainy crank like Marcus Lee will rear 
up on his hind legs and begin to snort. He is onto 
our tricks, and for one reason or another he is 
going to show us up, if he can. Then it is up to us 
to put him in wrong with the mob, for if we don't, 
the feeble-minded and the absent-minded may 
wake up and turn on us, don't you see? — Get him 
in wrong with the people, that's the thing to do, 
and I guess we are doing it ! (Another gurgling 
laugh.) 

PRYOR. 

You did a pretty fancy piece of acting that 
morning at Lee's office when Pettigrew and I 
just happened to drop in? 

PIKE. 

Didn't I ! And by crickets ! I believe Petti- 
grew actually thinks Lee sent for me ! 

PRYOR. 
Of course he does. I told him to come and see 
for himself. And you ought to have seen how mad 
he got when I told him I could prove that Lee was 
going to do business with you alone and double- 
cross his own crowd. 

KIDDER. 

What did he say? 

PRYOR. 

He turned pale as a ghost, and said: "Young 
man, if what you tell me is the truth, then I want 
to know all about it." 



70 

PIKE. 

Ha-ha-ha! Pretty slick work! And tonight 
we will line him up with us on the quiet and get a 
good chunk of his mazuma. 

PRYOR. 

It was lucky I met you just as I was going to 
deliver my plunder to Mrs. Richman, wasn't it ? 

PIKE. 
Lucky is the word! I could tell by the way 
you looked that you had troubles on your mind 
You looked as sick as a kid who has just been in- 
troduced to his dad's corncob pipe. 

PRYOR. 

But it did not take us long to set the trap 
did it? 

PIKE. 
No, it was pretty speedy work, all right. 

KIDDER. 

What is Pettigrew? Feeble-minded or absent- 
minded? 

PIKE. 

Pettigrew? — He is sixty per cent hypocrite, 
five per cent politician and the rest just plain 
crook. The other day he fired a poor clerk, who 
had to lay off two weeks on account of sickness, 
and the next day he donated a thousand dollars 
to that high-toned six thousand dollar preacher of 
his, so he could go east for a two months vaca- 
tion with his family. He takes the blood-money he 
gets from his poor tenants down in those shacks on. 
River Street and buys church organs and memorial 
windows for them. On Sundays he passes the col- 
lection plate in church and on week-days he col- 
lects rent from dive-keepers. (Chuckles.) I owm 



71 

some of that kind ©f property myself, — but I don't 
go to church ! That's the difference between him 
and me. — When I get ready to join the church, I 
am going to sell some of my property to Pettigrew, 
before 1 hit the sawdust trail. He'll buy it all right! 
(Laughs uproariously, and the other two join in.) 
(As they are laughing, Professor Archer en- 
ters unnoticed. He carries a walking stick in one 
hand and a folded newspaper in the other. He hes- 
itates a moment, then approaches, and the others 
finally notice him.) 

PIKE. 

Hello, governor ! Have a seat. (Shakes hands 
and places a chair for him.) 

( Kidder busies himself at his desk, while 
Pryor starts to read a newspaper.) 

PIKE. 

Are you out alone tonight? 

ARCHER. 
Yes, I came up to see you about some scandal- 
ous articles in the Herald. 

PIKE. 
(As he gets up.) Wait till I shed my coat; I 
don't need it now. (Throws coat on the couch and 
resumes his seat with his feet on top of the desk. 
Takes a pen-knife out of his pocket and begins to 
Lrim his finger-nails.) Well, governor, wliat can 1 
Jo for you? 

ARCHER. 

Don't call me "governor"! I am not governor, 
nor do I expect to be. In fact, I would a thousand 
times rather be defeated than win the election by 
such methods as those your paper employs. 

PIKE. 
I am going to keep right on calling you gov- 



72 

ernor, so as to get you used to the title, for we are 
ging to elect you as sure as the Lord made little 
apples. — Russell Pike says so ! 

ARCHER. 

You know I am the nominee against my will 
and desire, but since I am unfortunate enough to 
have my name on your ticket, I demand that you 
carry on a clean campaign and abstain from libel- 
ous attacks on the candidate, who heads the other 
ticket. 

PIKE. 
Well ? 

ARCHER. 

I refer to the various articles appearing in to- 
night's Herald, in which Mr. Lee has been so 
grossly misrepresented. You know these things arc 
not true. 

PIKE. 

To tell you the truth, I have been too busy to 
read the articles. I just glanced at the head-lines. 
But I understand it is only a scrap between the two 
papers and has nothing to do with the campaign. 
You see, Professor, Mark Lee raised hell with a 
reporter for doing what he was hired to do, and that 
reporter got sore and went to work for the Herald, 
and I suppose he is just getting even. Lee didn't 
treat the kid fair, you know. — Besides, governor, 
you must remember I am not the editor of the 
Herald. 

ARCHER. 

But you own most of the stock in that paper 
and have it in your power to dictate its policy. 

PIKE. 
1 own most of the stock in the La France Mil- 
linery Company too, but as I am no authority on 



73 

trimming bonnets, I don't never butt in with my 
advice. I am satisfied, as long as I get my divi- 
dends. And I feel the same way about the Herald. 
(Humbly) I am not an educated man, governor. 

ARCHER. 

(Spreads out the newspaper.) Here on the 
front page is an article that accuses Mr. Lee of hav- 
ing sent for you for the purpose of conspiring to 
betray his own party. — On the next page another 
article accusing him of being so prejudiced against 
our foreign-born citizens, that he refuses to recog- 
nize them. These accusations are untrue! 

PIKE. 
Now, hold your horses, Professor! Lee did 
talk with me over the telephone and invited me to 
call on him at his ofhJce, and I am also reliably in- 
formed, that he has refused to make campaign 
speeches to the foreigners. 

ARCHER. 

But the facts have been twisted and miscon- 
strued. 

PIKE. 

(Soothingly.) That's too bad; we will see 
about that. If that's the case I am glad you told 
me. We want to make a clean campaign, as you 
say, and the Herald will have to cut out that kind 
of sculduggerv. 

ARCHER. 

(Hands him the paper.) Read it yourself. 

PIKE. 
I left my specs at home, but I will look into it, 
and there will be no more of it, — not in the Herald. 
I promise you that. 

..ARCHER. 

(Relieved.) Thank you, Mr. Pike. I am glad 



74 

you agree with me. Now, I am preparing a series 
of articles on the tariff, conservation of natural re- 
sources, army re-organization and other subjecis of 
national interest, which should appear in all our 
party organs in the state, and I would suggest, that 
these articles be sent out by our committee in 
pamphlet form a little later on. 

PIKE. 

Fine! That's just what we want! — Do you 
hear that, Harry? 

KIDDER. 
Yes, Sir. 

PIKE. 
As soon as the Professor's articles are finished,. 
he will give them to you, so we can have them 
printed. (To Archer.) Is that the idea? 

ARCHER. 

Yes; we must educate the voters to get a clear 
understanding of the real issues. 

PIKE. 
That's it. governor! They sure need educa- 
tion! (Starts to chuckle, but checks himself sud- 
denly.; 

..ARCHER. 

(Rises.) And now I shall not take up any 
more of your time ; it is getting late. I am glad we 
have had an understanding. (Shakes hands with 
Pike.) Good night, Air. Pike. (Nods to the 
others.) Good night, gentlemen. 

Exit Archer 

(As soon as the door closes behind Archer,. 
Pike, Kidder and Pryor burst into loud laughter.) 

PIKE. 
(Incoherently.) "It is getting late"! And it 



75 

is only eight o'clock! I wonder how that poor 
sucker will ever find his way home! (Stops sud- 
denly and reaches for the telephone.) Hello! give 

me Main five, six. seven! Hello! Is this the 

Herald?. .. .This is Pike Listen! Have one 

hundred thousand extra copies printed of tonight's 
issue and send them over here just as fast as you 

can turn them out Yes, we are going to flood 

the state with them And listen: No more of 

that rough stuff in the Herald till about a day or 
two before election, then we will start another cy- 
clone Yes, the country papers will do the dirty 

work in the meantime (Chuckles.) Yes, yes, 

you bet ! — Remember, don't retract nothing, only 
be as decent as you can and boost Archer to the 

limit No, we don't want Archer to take the 

stump; tell the people he is too busy and must save 
his strength. .. .Yes, that's it! All right! — Good- 
bye, Higgins! (Hangs up the receiver.) — Now, 
look here, Harry, don't let the Professor get on to 
what we are doing; don't let him find out, that we 
are distributing those papers, — and don't tell him 
anything; just jolly him along. Understand? 

KIDDER. 
I understand. 

PIKE. 
(To Pryor.) And you go on with your report- 
ing and let well enough alone till we get ready to 
hand his Nibs the the second upper-cut. In the 
meantime, get your dope ready and make it good, 
and strong. 

PRYOR. 
Leave it to me. (Rises.) I guess I will beat 
it ; I have got a date with my girl. 

PIKE. 
All right, Kid; give her my love, but don't give 



76 

her or any other skirt any information that don't 
concern them. Don't blabber! 

PRYOR. 

You know me ! 

(Leaves the room whistling.) 

PIKE. 

Paul is a smart youngster and all right, if he 
don't get his nut swelled. 

KIDDER, 
i Who is busy folding circulars.) Oh, I guess 
he will keep his head. 

Enter Pettigrew and Miles. 

PIKE. 
Right on time! Sit down and make yourself 
comfortable. 

PETTIGREW. 
We met that young reporter just as we got off 
the elevator; does he know that you expected us? 

PIKE. 
(As he turns the key in the door and pulls 
down the window shades.) No, I don't think he 
does, — but that fellow is all right;— he knows what 
is good for him. 

MILES. 
(In an undertone.) By the way — (nods to- 
ward Kidder) — is this man — 

PIKE. 
Oh, he is all right. — Harry, shake hands with 
Mr. Pettigrew and Mr. Miles. This is Harry Kid- 
der, my right bower. He is the fellow who looks 
after my grammar among other things. 

(They shake hands and express mutual pleasure 
at meeting etc.) 



77 

PETTIGREW. 
Your new reporter seems to have a very fair 
knowledge of grammar judging from to-night"s- 
Herald. I suppose it was him who wrote those ar- 
ticles about his former employer. 

PIKE. 
You bet! Ain't it great! But we got to cut it 
out for a while. Archer just left, and he was hot 
under the collar, so I promised him we would let 
up. 

MILES. 
Let up? 

PIKE. 
As far as the Herald is concerned, but we are 
going to scatter a hundred thousand extra copies 
all over the state, and you know what that means. 

MILES. 
I just saw Scribner. He was grouchy as a 
bear and wouldn't talk to me, but somebody else 
told me that he is furious because Lee refuses to 
deny those charges. Pie says it is beneath his 
dignity to notice them. 

PETTIGREW. 
He is long on dignity. 

PIKE. 
He'll need every bit of it when we spring our 
next surprise and that's the time old man Archer 
will go back on him, and the girl too, by thunder! 

PITTIGREW AND MILES. 
What is that? 

PIKE. 
(To Kidder.) Did those plates come? 

KIDDER. 
Yes, and the proofs too; they are in the safe. 



78 

PIKE. 
All right. — Well, now, you know we are not in 
this game for fun. I have nothing against Lee per- 
sonally, but we have got to beat him and run him 
out of politics, or we are ging to be down and out. 

FETTTGREW. 
Yes, I see, but — 

MILES. 
What is it you have up your sleeve: 

PIKE. 
First we have to get Archer where we want 
him, because that old pickle is going to be our next 
governor, and we have got to gain his confidence. 

PETTIGREW. 
Yes, but how? He doesn't believe any of these 
yarns. 

PIKE. 

Not now, but he will later on, when we fire 
torpedo number two. 

MILES. 
And when will that be? 

PIKE. 
The day before election. 

PETTIGREW. 
Tell us the joke ! 

PIKE. 

It's no joke; — out before I tell you about that, 
you fellows will have to come across with some of 
the long green to help us finance this campaign. 
You will have to pay for the hundred thousand 
copies of the Herald and the mailing of them; that 



79 

will cost us thirty-five hundred, and we think you 
ought to dig- up enough more to make it an even 
ten thousand. 

PETTIGREW. 

I brought five thousand. (Takes a package of 
bank notes out of his wallet and places it on Pike's 
•desk.) 

MILES. 

And here is three thousand from our committee. 
{Places the money on the desk.) 

PIKE. 

Come again, come again ! Two thousand more ; 
you are getting off easy at that. 

Pettigrew and Miles exchange glances 

MILES. 

Three thousand is all I can get out of cur cam- 
paign funds and half of that is my own money. 

PIKE. 
Come again, Pettigrew, be a sport ! 

PETTIGREW. 

(With a sigh.) Oh, all right. (Hands over 
two thousand dollars more.) 

PIKE. 

There ! I knew you had it. (Hands the money 
to Kidder.) Here, put these bales of chicken-feed in 
the safe and let us have a squint at the pictures. 
(Takes a chew of tobacco.) 

Kidder takes the money and goes to the safe. 

MILES. 

I suppose you have heard of Lee being hanged 
in effigy on the University campus? 



80 

PIKE. 

ISio, but I approve of it! Are the students 
boosting Archer? 

MILES. 

They are all worked up over an editorial in the 
Observer criticizing the beauty contest. I guess 
Lee was right at that, but he is catching the devil 
for it all over the state. 

PIKE. 
He is, eh? 

MILES. 

And the German and Norwegian papers are on 
his trail, too, for insulting the foreigners. 

PETTIGREW. 

It is strange he does not go more out of his 
way to explain. 

PIKE. 
Why, that man is a crank! 

PETTIGREW. 
That's what I have always said: A crank! 

MILES. 
Yes, the craziest kind of a crank. 

PIKE. 
Well, we should worry ! 

Kidder returns from the safe and hands Pike 
some plates and prints. 

PIKE. 
PI ere we are! (Shows the prints to Pettigrew 
and Miles.) What do you make out of that? 

MILES. 
A check for five hundred dollars made out to> 
John H. Fox, signed by Marcus Lee. 



PETTIGREW. 

And this is for the same amount payable to 
Marie Bernier and signed by Lee. What does this 
mean? Who are these people? 

PIKE. 
Mrs. Mortimer Richman's servants. 

PETTIGREW. 
Well? 

PIKE. 

You know why that kid reporter quit the Ob- 
server? 

PETTIGREW. 

Yes, because Lee wanted him to return some 
letters and photographs he had bribed the Richman 
servants to give him. 

PIKE. 

And when he refused, Lee returned the junk 
himself. We knew he was going out there, and we 
had him watched. We have witnesses to prove 
that he entered the house at eight o'clock in the 
evening and stayed there a full hour. It looks bad; 
Richman was not at home, you know. 

MILES. 
But how about these checks? 

PIKE. 

Well, Pryor is on good terms with the girl and 
the flunkey and they told him, that after Lee had 
told his story to Mrs. Richman and made his fool 
apologies, she called them in and fired them on the 
spot for slandering her and stealing her property, — ■ 
right before Lee, and he speaks up and rays that 
inasmuch as they had been led astray by an em- 
ployee of his, he felt it his duty to pay them some- 



82 

tiling for losing their jobs, and so he gives them 
those checks on the Farmers' National. The 
damned fool! (Laughs . ) Well, — you know my 
connection with that bank. — I had the checks pho- 
tographed the next day and have affidavits from 
my witnesses who saw him go in and come out of 
that house. 

MILES. 

Where are those servants now? 

PIKE. 
They went to Chicago and got married and 
went from there out to Los Angele-e-s. 

PETTIGREW. 
And Mrs. Richman? 

PIKE. 

Gone to Europe and will not be back till next 
spring. But my witnesses are here, and so are these 
plates, by cricket ! 

PETTIGREW. 
And you will use them — 

PIKE. 

In the tierald the dav before election. I guess 
that will do the business, eh? 

PETTIGREW. 
(Shakes his head.) It is a shady piece of 
business, Pike, but — 

PIKE. 
I am kind of sorry for the poor guy myself; — 
he is a pretty square sport, you've got to I and it to 
him, — but politics is politics and war is war. 

MILES, 
ft is a dirty trick to play — 



83 

PIKE. 
Politics is dirty, most generally. And we just 
have to win this figth. (Leans forward.) Remember 
the Capitol and Indian land and the army post and 
the senatorship! Where do we come in? 

PETTIGREW. 
But Miles and I are not supposed to know any- 
thing about this, and our contribution must be a 
secret. 

PIKE. 
Sure, it is just between us. 

MILES. 
Well, let us get out of here. 
(They get up and leave.) 

PIKE. 
Here, this way. (Takes them to the side-door 
in foreground and opens it.) Just follow the stair- 
way at the end of that hall and you will get out 
through the alley, where nobody will see you. 

MILES AND PETTIGREW. 
Good night. 

PIKE. 
Good night, fellows. 
Exit Pettigrew and Miles. 

Kidder locks his desk and straightens up the 
papers on the table. 

PIKE. 
(Returns the plates and prints to the safe and 
locks it. Walks back in front of the table.) Harry, 
when I run across a skunk like Silas Pettigrew, I 
get a better opinion of myself. (Sits down on a 
chair by the table resting his head on his hand.) 

KIDDER. 
(After a pause.) I would not trust him out of 



84 

my sight; he would double-cross his best friend for 
money. 

PIKE. 
So would I, Harry, if there was enough in 
it But I don't pass the plate in Church. 

CURTAIN 



85 



ACT IV. 

Scene I. 
The day before election. Late afternoon. 

Living room in Professor Archer's home. The 
room, which is connected with the professor's 
study on the left and the dining room on the right, 
is comfortably and tastefully, but not elaborately 
furnished. The door in the background leads to a 
small reception room. 

Margaret, in tears, on a settee with her face 
hidden against a sofa pillow. 

Mrs. Cromwell sitting close by trying to calm 
her. 

Mr. Archer walking exitedly forth and back, 
flourishing a newspaper. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
Please don't condemn him, uncle, till you hear 
his side of the story. 

ARCHER. 
There can be only one side to evidence like 
this ! I am beginning to see everybody in a differ- 
ent light. I am afraid I have misjudged Mr. Pike, 
and that I have had an entirely wrong estimate of 
my would-be son in law. Oh, what a disgrace ! 
What a disgrace ! 

MARGARET. 
(sits up). Father, don't! Let us wait. 



86 

ARCHER. 
And to bring such disgrace and humilation 
upon you! How can he explain it? But I have 
sent for them, and we shall know the truth this 
very evening. 

(The door-bell rings). There is somebody 
now. ( Goes to the door and returns with Russell 
Pike, who looks embarrassed. Margaret does not 
respond to his greeting, but gives him a sharp, 
searching look, which causes him to look down, 
but only for a moment.) 

PIKE. 
You sent for me, Professor Archer. I suppose 
it is in regard to the article about Lee you want 
to see me. Too bad, ain't it? 

ARCHER. 

But is it true? 

PIKE, 

(Points to the paper.) There is the evidence, 

and i saw the original checks. (Looks at the 

ladies.) Say, Professor, hadn't we better talk about 
this alone? 

MARGARET. 

No, I want to be here ; it concerns me. 

PIKE. 
Yes, it is too bad. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
But how did the Herald know about those 
checks? And what was the object in publishing 
all this? 

PIKE. 
The object was to give this state a decent man 
for governor instead of a hypocrite. — We done this 
to help Mr. Archer win. 



87 

ARCHER. 

If you and your paper can prove, that Marcus 
Lee called on Mrs. Pichman as her — as her lover, 
which this paper plainly insinuates, and that he 
hribed the servants to keep silent, then you have 
done a service both to the state and to my daugh- 
ter and me.— Rut, ("shakes his fist at Pike) if these 
allegations are false, — 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
And they are false ! 

PIKE. 
(Sharply.) What do you know about it? 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
I know Mr. Lee, and 1 know a few things 
about you. 

ARCHER. 

Lee has often appeared so absent-minded and 
irritable the last three months, that — 

PIKE. 

Why, he ain't right in his mind ! He has been 
at outs with his own party leaders right from the 
beginning of the campaign, because he is opposed 
to public improvements, that they and everybody 
else are in favor of. Maybe he is jealous because 
he cannot get all the .edit for himself. (Takes 
a chair.) 

ARCHER. 

Opposed to puulic, improvements? I don't 
understand. — what are they? 

PIKE. 

This is no time to go into details, but I know 
you will be with us, when everything is explained 
to vou. You are a sensible, pubbc-spirited man. 






MARGARET, 
(who has been looking steadily at Pike, ever since 
he came into the room.) I begin to understand; 
— oh, I hope I am right! (Looks toward the door.) 
Why doesn't he come? 

PIKE. 
Who do you expect? Lee? 

ARCHER. 
Yes, I have sent for him. 

PIKE, 
(rises). Well, I will see you tomorrow, Professor. 
1 guess there ain't anything more I can say or do 
just now. 

ARCHER. 
No, you stay. We need you here. 

PIKE. 

1 don't want to be mixed up in any family 
quarrels. 

ARCHER. 

As the principal owner of the Herald, you are 
already mixed up in it. We will all have to face 
this. 

PIKE. 

Mind you, we have not come right out and 
accused Lee of any wrongdoing; we have just pub- 
lished the evidence we have, and the people will 
have to judge. They are the jury, and we will 
have the Verdict by tomorrow night. 

ARCHER. 

(stares at the newspaper). This paper will be in 
the hands of nearly every voter in the State by the 
time the polls open tomorrow. 



89 

PIKE. 
And if it doesn't elect you governor, I miss 
my guess. 

ARCHER, 
(clutches the paper). And if these insinuations are 
false ? 

PIKE. 
You will be governor just the same! And he 
cannot do anything to the Herald. We just pub- 
lished certain facts, that's all. 

ARCHER. 
(angry). Do you for a moment suppose I will 
consent to serve as governor, if I win the election 
by the help of a lie?' By the ruin of an honest 
man's reputation? 

MARGARET. 
(Goes over to Archer and puts her arms 
around him). Calm yourself, father, please don't 
get exited ! Mark will explain everything. — — 
(Seriously.) He will have to explain. 

PIKE, 
(who seems uncomfortable.) Yes, of course, that's 
up to him. 

(The door-bell rings and Mrs. Cromwell 
answers it.) 

Enter Lee and Sterling, wearing light over- 
coats. They are both pale and look tired and 
worried. For a few moments there is tense silence, 
everybody staring at Lee, who looks as if he 
expects somebody else to speak first. 

LEE. 
(smiling faintly). Well, Peggy — ? 

MARGARET. 
Sav this isn't true! (Rushes toward him but 
is restrained by her father.) 



90 

ARCHER. 

lie owes us an explanation first. 

(Mrs. Cromwell and Sterling hold a brief con- 
sultation to one side, and Mrs. Cromwell hurries 
into the study to the left.) 

PIKE. 

(rises.) As I said before, I see no sense in my 
staying here; you will have to fight this out among 
yourselves. (Walks towards the door.) 

LEE. 
(blocks his way). Don't be in a hurry, Mr. Pike. 

PIKE. 
I am in a hurry; — let me out! 

LEE. 

Not yet ! This is the first time I have ever 
wanted to be in your society, and you will have to 
oblige us by gracing this occasion with your pres- 
ence, until we are ready to excuse you. 

PIKE. 

(Tries to crowd past Lee and Sterling; but is 
pushed back.) Look here, Professor, — do you stand 
for this in your house? 

ARCHER. 

(Firmly.) I must insist, that you remain 
with us, till we hear from Mr. Lee. 

Mrs. Cromwell returns from the study and takes 
her place on the settee with Margaret. 

PIKE. 

(Resumes his seat and places his hat on the 
floor besides his chair.) Well, all right; if you are 
bound to make a public show of this, I guess I can 
stand it, if vou can. 



91 

ARCHER. 
I suppose you have read the Herald this after- 
noon ? 

LEE. 
I have. 

ARCHER. 
Well, what about it? 

LEE. 

The facts published are correct and true. I 
did call at the Richman residence, spent about an 
hour there and gave two of the servants each a 
check for five hundred dollars. 

ARCHER. 

(Sinks down in *a chair.) My God, it is true 
after all! 

PIKE. 

(Triumphantly.) What did I tell you? 

Margaret weeping on Mrs. Cromwells 
shoulder. 

ARCHER. 

Have you no sense of honor? 

" LEE. 
It was my sense of honor, that made me do 
what I did. 

ARCHER. 
In other words: You paid out a thousand dol- 
lars, so people should not find out about your af- 
fair with Mrs. Richman? 

PIKE. 

That's it! 

LEE. 
Shut up, Pike! — Mr. Archer, it pains me to> 



92 

hear you say that. Mrs. Richman is a good woman 
and a very much abused woman. I have found out, 
that she is not to blame for her troubles. 

ARCHER. 
Well, of all the impudence — 

LKE. 
Do you mean to say, that you believe the vile 
insinuations in the Herald? 

ARCHER. 
You must admit, that appearances are against 
you. Why don't you explain? We are entitled to 
an explanation. 

LEE. 
And I am entitled to your confidence. — I 
realize that this will look queer to strangers, and 
that it is very likely going to cost me the govenor- 
ship, but you have known me nearly all mv life, 
and I hope it is not necessary for me to prove my 
innocence to you and Margaret. If it is, then there 
is no need of any explanations. 

MARGARET. 

Why don't you say it isn't true? Why don't 
you explain what you paid that money for? And 
why yon called on that woman? 

LEE. 

Margaret, — my enemies, and some of my 
friends, call me a crank, because my ideas on many 
things are different from the ideas and opinions of 
most people, and because I don't hesitate to ex- 
press those ideas and try to live up to them. 

ARCHER. 
(Impatiently.) Well, what has that to do with 
this case? 



93 

LEE. 
(Adressing Margaret.) Most people think,, 
that love is the only essential to a happy married 
life. I disagree with those who think so. — There 
can be no true happiness, Margaret, unless there is 
perfect confidence. Complete, unquestioning con- 
fidence is just as necessary as love. ^Raises his 
voice.) All the malicious insinuations in the world 
could never for one moment shake my faith in your 
loyalty, and if I don't occupy an equally high place 
in your confidence, then I want to know it right 
now. 

MARGARET. 

(Rushing over to him.) I believe in you, 
Mark, you need not explain to' me. (They em- 
brace.) 

ARCHER. 

(Impatiently.) But this does not clear you of 
suspicion in the eyes of the world. 

The door-bell rings. 

Sterling answers it and ushers in Pryor, who 
looks confused and surprised. 

PIKE. 
What the devd are you doing here? 

PRYOR. 

You sent for me, — didn't you? 

PIKE. 
No, you idiot. I did nothing of the kind! Get 
out of here and go about your own business. 

Pryor looks around in a bewildered way and 
starts for the door, but Sterling stops him. There 
is a scuffle, and Pryor is forced into a chair 

PIKE. 
What's the meaning of this? 



94 

MRS. CROMWELL. 

1 telephoned the Herald office and asked them 
to send Mr. Pryor over at once, and I also men- 
tioned that you were here, Mr. Pike. I suppose 
that is how they got the impression that you had 
sent for him. 

PIKE. 

You women are pretty smooth ! Well, what 
do you want with him ? 

ARCHER. 
Young man, did you write this article? (Shows 
him the newspaper.) 

PIKE. 

(To Pryor.) You are not on the witness 
stand 

ARCHER. 

It will be better for him to take the witness 
stand now than later. 

LEE. 

Let me ask him a few questions. (Shows »\im 
a letter.) Did you write this? 

PRYOR. 
I did. 

LEE. 

(Reads the letter.) "Mr. Lee, Editor of the 
Observer. Dear Sir: Having accepted a flattering 
offer from the Herald, I hereby resign my position 
with you and return to you the Richman letters 
and pothopraphs, which I obtained as your agent, 
while in your employ. Yours truly, Paul Pryoi." — 
Is that what you wrote? 

PRYOR. 
(Sullen.) I guess so. 



95 

LEE. 
. Is it? 

PRYOR. 

Yes, that's the letter. 

LEE. 
What did I tell you in regard to those photo- 
graphs and letters you had bribed the Richman 
servants to steal for you ? 

PIKE. 

That ain't fair! 

PRYOR. 
You told me if I did not return them to Airs. 
Richman, you would do it yourself and give me the 
bounce. 

LEE. 
Now tell Mr. Archer and the ladies what hap- 
pened. 

PIKE. 
Keep your mouth shut, you fool! 

LEE. 

No interference, please; he will either tell his 
story here or in the courtroom. 

PRYOR. 
(Frightened.) Well, I met Mr. Pike on the 
street and told him all about it, because I was sore, 
and he offered me a job and told me to resign and 
return that stuff to you, and then we fixed it up to 
watch you when you went out there that night. 
And after you had left Mrs. Richman's house I 
saw the chauffeur and the maid and they showed 
me the checks you had given them. 

LEE. 
What did they tell you? 



96 

PRYOR. 
They told me you apologized to Mrs. Richman, 
and that she called them in and discharged them. 
And then you gave them five hundred each, be- 
cause you kind of felt responsible for their getting 
in trouble on account of me having enticed them 
into it. 

LEE. 
Did they say anything else? 

PRYOR. 

No. Only that they thought you ought to have 
been a preacher or a professor, because you're such 
an easy mark. 

(Everybody laughs except Pike.) 

The bell rings again, and Margaret goes to the 
door and ushers in Pettigrew. 

PETTIGREW. 
(Looks around in surprise.) Quite a gather- 
ing! Are the candidates comparing notes? 

LEE. 

Yet, just checking up a little. You know Mr. 
Pike, 1 presume? 

PETTIGREW. 
(Hesitates.) Oh yes, I believe we have met. 
— I understand you wanted me to come over, Mr. 
Lee. 

LEE. 

Yes, as you are one of my political sponsors, 
I want to ask you what you think of my chances of 
election now. 

PETTIGREW. 

(Shakes his head.) It looks bad, of course,, 
but I don't think you can lose. There is a normal 



97 

majority of thirty thousand votes to overcome, you 
know. Let us hope *or the best. 

LEE. 

(Shows him the newspaper.) What do you 
think of this? 

PETTIGREW. 

(Embarrassed. Glances at Pike, who watches 
him coldly.) What do I think of it? It is a low- 
down piece of work; it was an awful shock to me. 
I cannot understand how anybody can stoop to 
such tricks. 

PIKE. 

(Laughs.) Now, this is getting to be funny! 
Let us all cash in and finish this game. (To Petti- 
grew.) You hymn-singing old hypocrite, why 
don't you tell these people that you knew all about 
this and helped to plan it? Why don't you teli 
them about the ten thousand you and Miles gave 
me in my office the night you sneaked home 
through the alley? 

PETTIGREW. 
(Angry.) You are going too far — 

PIKE. 
No, I ain't! I am going still farther! To- 
morrow night the Herald will have a front page 
article retracting everything that has been printed 
against Mark Lee and apologizing for it. I am a 
good sport, and I know when I am beaten. 

ARCPIER. 
But it will be too late to affect the election. 

PIKE. 

We don't care a hang which way the election 
goes now, do we Pettigrew? They are onto our 



98 

game and the jig is up, but by thunder! You are 
going to face the music with the rest of us ! 

STERLING. 
Mr. Pike, it will save you some work, if you 
will just use this copy we have prepared (hands 
him a manuscript) and sign this statement to. 

published in the Observer tomorrow, t — " 

^Pf/C£ * (Glances at the paper.) Sure. (Takes his 

fountain pen and signs one of them, which he 
hands to Lee and puts the o^her in his pocket.) 

LEE. 
Thank you. 

PIKE. 

Oh, don't mention it. (To Sterling.) Say, 
you are the fellow who preaches down at the 
Apollo, ain't you? 

STERLING. 
Yes. 

PIKE. 
I heard you the other Sunday for about ten 
minutes ; 1 had to step in somewhere to get a 
pebble out of my shoe. I understand you ain't par- 
ticular what kind of people you preach to, so if I 
can sell my property down in Hell's Half-Acre to 
Brother Pettigrew, I will join your church. Petti- 
grew owns so much of that kind of property al- 
ready, and I know he is in the market for more. 

Pettigrew walks out indignantly and slams tne 
door. 

PIKE. 

(Opens the door.) Wait a minute, Pettigrew! 
We are going the same way. Well, so long, every- 
body ! (Bows awkwardly and grins.) I have en- 
joyed your little party so much! Good afternoon! 

Exit Pike and Prvor. 



99 

ARCHER. 
Marcus, — for the second time I have to ask 
you to forgive me. (Takes his hand.) 

LEE. 

(Puts his hand on Archer's shoulder.) Forgive 
you ! I am lucky you did not meet me at the gate 
with a shot-gun. I shouldn't have blamed you, if 
you had. — But let me ask you one question: Has 
Pike or anybody else tried to make you piomise to 
do certain things, in case you are elected? 

ARCHER. 

No. — In fact, they have seemed rather reluctant 
to discuss any public questions with me, and as I 
have never taken my candidacy seriously, I have 
not cared to mingle much with them. 

LEE. 

That's good ; I am glad to hear it, for I think 
you will be elected governor tomorrow. 

(Mrs. Cromwell and Sterling walk together 
into the next room.) 

MARGARET. 

(Steps between her father and Lee and links 
her arms in theirs.) Wouldn't it be great, if both 
of you could be rewarded with a high office after 
all this trouble ! 

LEE. 

Peggy, the faith you showed in me today is 
worth more to me than all the political honors in 
the world! 1 would not trade it for a throne! 

ARCHER. 

Wasn't it Schopenhauer who said, that a 
woman's faith in one she loves is as sublime as her 
native intuition is mysterious and uncanny ? 



100 

A NEWSBOY'S VOICE (outside) Extree 
paper! All about the death of Senator Smart! — 
Extr-e-e ! 

CURTAIN. 






101 



ACT IV. 

Scene II. 

Evening of the day after election. 

Living room in Professor Archer's home. Same 
as Scene I. The double doors between the living 
room and the study are thrown open. 

Mrs. Robinson and Margaret are seated at a 
table, on which there is an electric reading lamp, 
looking at the evening papers. 

MARGARET. 
Was Uncle Daniel very angry? 

MRS. ROBINSON. 
Ginger says he swore, but you cannot blame 
him. He got the paper in the dining car yesterday 
morning an did not touch his breakfast. And when 
Mark and I met him at the station he was all 
worked up. You know, Daniel is always cross 
when he is hungry, and he didn't say good morning 
or anything, just shook the newspaper under 
Mark's nose and stuttered something about dis- 
grace and ruin. Oh, I never saw him in such a 
temper ! 

MARGARET. 
What did he say, after you told him the truth? 

MRS. ROBINSON 
Oh. he calmed down, of course, and after he 



102 

"had his breakfast lie went down-town and hasn't 
been home since, except to sleep. I wish they 
were through with it ! 

MARGARET. 

They are still checking up reports from the 
•country precincts ; you know it takes so long for 
.all the return to come in from the country. It 
looked this afternoon as if father is elected by a 
small majority, but I hope the last returns will 
change the result. 

(The telephone rings in the study and Margaret 
goes to answer it.) 

Enter Mrs. Cromwell and Billings who greet 
Mrs Robinson. 

BILLINGS. 
(Looking tanned and robust.) Well, Jane, it 
is all over but the shouting. 

MRS. ROBINSON. 
And who are we going to shout for? 

MARGARET. 
(Returns from the study and greets Billings.) 
Mark has just telephoned, that he will be over in a 
little while. It is about time. I have not seen him 
or father since night before last. 

BILLINGS. 

Did he say anything else? 

MARGARET. 
He said he is hungry and want some "dutch 
lunch." — What is the latest news? 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
We will let Mark tell you himself. 

MARGARET. 
Is it all over? 



103 

Enter Archer, looking tired and disheveled. He- 
kisses his daughter and shakes hands with Billings 
and Mrs. Robinson silently. 

MARGARET. 
Please tell me, father, who is elected? 

ARCHER. 
The last returns are in. Marcus carries the 
city by a majority of five hundred and fifty-seven 
votes, but I carry the state by a little over two 
thousand. All the other candidates on Marcus' 
ticket are elected with about the usual majorities. 
This is an awful injustice, Billings! 

BILLINGS. 

(Extends his hand.) Allow me to congratu- 
late you — 

ARCHER. 

(Emphatically.) No congratulations! I must 
refuse to qualify. How can I eccept the office in 
this way? I was in hopes that the final returns 
would save me this ordeal. I feel like a thief! 

BILLINGS. 

Now, look here, Archer; whatever injustice 
has been done is not of your making, and the 
people know it by this time. Why the whole state 
has been ringing with denounciation of Pettigrew 
and Miles and Pike; since the Observer and Herald 
came out last night and exposed the conspiracy. 
You have the people's sympathy just as much as 
Marcus, so cheer up, old friend, and make up your 
mind to be a good respectable governor for the next 
two years. 

ARCHER. 
I suppose I must face it, then. 



104 

The door-bell rings and Archer answers it 
himself. 

Enter Lee and Sterling. 

LEE. 
Hello, everybody! (Shakes hands with Ar- 
cher.) This is a great victory for the people. 

ARCHER. 

Why my dear boy, the people have been 
cheated and fooled! How can you call that a vic- 
tory ? 

LEE. 

I see I am in for a speech, and I shall need 
some nourishment before long, so please, girls, get 
busy with the dutch lunch ; I have only had an 
apple since breakfast. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
[ will attend to the commissary; the maid is 
out for the evening. 

MRS. ROBINSON. 
And I will help you. 

STERLING. 
Can't I make myself useful? 

MRS. CROMWELL. 

Yes, tag along; we will give you a nice, white, 
clerical-looking apron and put you to work slicing 
ham and cheese. 

(They start for the dining room.) 

MARGARET. 
Father and Uncle Daniel, please sit down and 
rest, you must be awfully tired, and you, too, Mark. 

LEE. 
I am not tired ; only hungry. 



105 

(They all sit down except Lee, who remains 
standing near the center of the room.) 

BILLINGS. 
Well, how about the great victory? 

ARCHER. 
Yes, please explain just what yon mean. 

LEE. 
Can't yon see, that the great spell has been 



ARCHER. 



broken? 

What spell? 

LEE. 

The spell of the absolute one-party rule this 
State has been suffering under for a generation. No 
party is great enough and good enough to be 
trusted with absolute power. The parties in this 
state were too unevenly balanced, and the result 
was, that a ring of more or less unscrupulous and 
self-seeking politicians intrenched themselves so 
strongly, that they could do anything they pleased. 
You know what they planned to do here." I saw 
I had to fight them, even if it meant my own defeat, 
but that's nothing! The people are awake now, and 
the truth is known all over the state. Isn't that a 
victory? Russell Pike will never again be a po- 
litical power in this city and state ; — isn't that a 
victory for the people? And that man could never 
have been exposed, if he hadn't been led to over- 
reach himself. — And how about our friends Miles 
and Pettigrew, uncle? They can never regain their 
standing in our party. Isn't that a victory''' Isn't 
it a victory for the people, when grafters and hypo- 
crites are unmasked and branded and made harm- 
less for all time to come? 

BILLINGS. 

Mark, you are right. 



106 

LEE. 
1 know I am right; and when a benevolent 
Providence had in some mysterious way provided 
the minority party with a candidate like you, Pro- 
fessor Archer, then I said to myself: Now is the 
time to strike! Now is the time to break the com- 
bination ! 

MARGARET. 
And did you want Daddy to win all the time? 

LEE. 

Of course I did ! Don't you remember I asked 
him as a favor to allow his name to go on the bal- 
lot, when he wanted to withdraw the day after he 
was nominated? 

MARGARET. 
Then you are not really a crank; you just 
played crank and made people turn against you 
just to help father win! 

LEE. 
Oh, yes, I am a crank, — a political crank — ac- 
cording to the conventional standards, and a 
journalistic crank, too, although I will confess, 
that if my opponent in this case had happened to 
lie a gangster, I should probably have taken a dif- 
ferent course. 

ARCHER. 

Why did you never explain this to me beto-re? 

LEE. 

To tell the truth, I didn't dare to. I needed 
your help to kill the Dragon, and I was afraid an 
exaggerated sense of fair play might have led you 
to back out. 

(The doors to the dining-room open and Mrs. 
Cromwell announces that the lunch is ready. She 
is followed by Mrs. Robinson and Sterling.) 



107 

STERLING. 
Did we miss a good speech? 

LEE. 

Not you ; you have heard it before. — Now, let 
us break our fast ! 

(They all start for the dining-room, when the 
door-bell rings and someone answers it.) 

Enter Paul Pryor carrying a letter in a long 
envelope. 

PRYOR. 
Pardon me for intruding, but a special messen- 
gen from the Capitol brought this letter short!}' 
after you left the office and asked that it be handed 
to Mr. Lee immediately. 

LEE. 
^Takes the letter, looks at the envelope, but 
does not open it.) Thank you, Paul. Oh, by the 
way, this young man is back on the Observer Staff. 
Mr. Pike did not seem to have any more use for 
him after night before last, so I put him to work 
again, and I think we can make a cracker-jack of a 
newspaper man out of him. Paul is a writer of 
considerable imagination, you know. (Laughter.) 
This letter seems to be from the governor. Will 
you please read it to us Peggy? (Hands her the 
letter.) 

MARGARET. 
(Opens letter with a hairpin.) Oh, I am so 
exited ! I wonder what it can be ! 

BILLINGS. 
Condolences I suppose. 

MARGARET. 

Oh!— What do you think!— Why, Mark! The 
governor has appointed you to succeed Senator 



108 

Smart! And we are going to Washington! (She 
throws herself into his arms.) 

(Great joy, congratulations, etc.) 

LEE. 
(To Archer.) Unless you think you would like 
to have Ralph as private secretary, I am going to 
take him with me to Washington, if he is willing 
to go. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 
It wouldn't do to leave uncle here all alone. 

ARCHER. 
You will be here with me, of course. 

MRS. CROMWELL. 

(Embarrassed.) Why, — yes, but — n-not if 
Ralph goes to Washington. 

P (Great surprise! Tableau.) 

CURTAIN. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

lIllDlllliHlilllillWIi 

015 907 971 5 < 



